- Kevin Rudd said he’s been blindsided by reports disgraced businessman and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein donated money to his think tank
- The former Australian Prime Minister chairs the International Peace Institute, which received around $925,000 in donations from the deceased Epstein
- Along with the donations, it’s been revealed IPI’s President Terje Rød-Larsen had close ties to Epstein
- Rudd has labelled the links “disturbing” and “disappointing”, revealing he only found out about the connection via media reports
- He also denied ever meeting Epstein, who was found dead in a jail cell after being arrested for trafficking dozens of underage girls
Former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has been caught up in the web of disgraced businessman and convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
News reports reveal a think tank Rudd chairs has received almost $1 million in donations from the now-deceased Epstein.
The $925,000 in donations were made to the International Peace Institute over a nine-year period. Rudd first joined the organisation back in 2014.
At the time the money was handed over, Epstein had already been convicted of child sex crimes and served time in jail for the offences.
Source: AP
In a statement, Rudd said he’s deeply disturbed and disappointed by the donation revelations and further reports that IPI’s leader had a connection with Epstein.
Terje Rød-Larsen — the President of the International Peace Institute — is reported to have taken out a $182,000 loan from the convicted sex offender.
“I first learned of contributions from Epstein’s foundations to the IPI in November 2019 through reporting by the Norwegian press. I was blindsided by this,” Rudd said.
“Any significant engagement with someone as odious as Epstein must be taken seriously and investigated thoroughly,” he added.
Along with the donations, the former Prime Minister has also been forced to deny personally meeting with the convicted pedophile.
“I have no recollection whatsoever of ever meeting Epstein,” Rudd said in response to reports the pair attended the same function in 2014.
Rudd has also vowed to donate any of the money given to IPI by Epstein to charities supporting victims of human trafficking and sexual assault.
The ex-leader isn’t the only prominent figure to be linked to Epstein — who was found dead in an apparent suicide in a Manhattan jail cell last year.
Other prominent people linked to Epstein include U.S. President Donald Trump, Former President Bill Clinton and Prince Andrew.