Nobel Peace Prize Leak: Norway Probes Espionage After Online Bets Sound Alarm

Norwegian authorities are investigating a potential security breach. The probe focuses on the Nobel Peace Prize announcement. It follows suspicious betting activity hours before the winner was revealed.

Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado was named the 2025 laureate. According to Reuters, bets on her victory surged on a prediction market. This has raised serious questions about the integrity of the secret selection process.

Unusual Bets Trigger Investigation

A single trader placed a large bet just before the announcement. The user wagered approximately $70,000 on Machado. The account had been newly created and had no prior betting history.

This trader reportedly earned a $30,000 profit. Two other accounts also made significant profits from bets on Machado. Combined, the three accounts netted about $90,000 from the event.

The Nobel Institute confirmed it is a target of espionage. This incident suggests confidential information was stolen. The leak allowed individuals to profit from insider knowledge.

Political Fallout and Global Reaction

Machado’s win has been met with international controversy. Some groups have criticized her political affiliations. They point to her support for certain European parties and her stance on international issues.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations issued a statement condemning the selection. A former Spanish politician accused her of attempting to stage a coup. This has fueled a polarized response to the Nobel Committee’s decision.

In a related development, Venezuela closed its embassy in Norway. The government cited an internal reorganization of diplomatic missions. The closure coincides with the political tension surrounding the award.

The Nobel Peace Prize leak undermines the award’s tradition of secrecy. Norwegian officials are pursuing several leads in the espionage case. This scandal casts a shadow over an honor meant to celebrate global peacemakers.

Info at your fingertips

What is the Nobel Peace Prize leak about?

It involves a suspected security breach. Bets on the winner spiked on a prediction market before the official announcement. This suggests someone with inside information profited from the leak.

Who is under investigation for the leak?

Norwegian authorities are leading the probe. They are looking into how confidential information was obtained. The investigation focuses on identifying the source of the leak.

Which betting platform was involved?

The suspicious activity occurred on Polymarket. It is a cryptocurrency-based prediction market. A few traders made significant profits from bets on Maria Corina Machado.

Why is Maria Corina Machado’s win controversial?

Her political alliances have drawn criticism from some groups. Critics question her connections to certain right-wing movements. This has led to a divided global reaction to her award.

Has Venezuela responded to the Nobel win?

Yes, the government closed its embassy in Norway. Officials stated the closure was part of a diplomatic reorganization. The timing follows the awarding of the prize to a key opposition figure.