Former President Waheed Linked to Jeffrey Epstein in U.S. Email Leak

Files released by the U.S. House Oversight Committee appear to show that former President Dr Mohamed Waheed Hassan maintained a close relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, the disgraced financier later convicted of sex offences.

The emails suggest Waheed sought Epstein’s advice on high-level government matters, including a proposed USD 500 million loan and his 2013 presidential election strategy.

advertisement

advertisement

advertisement

In one message dated July 2012, Waheed reportedly asked Epstein about terms for a decade-long loan, referencing a proposal made by his then-Finance Minister, Abdulla Jihad. Weeks later, the Maldives signed a loan deal with China worth roughly US$ 500 million, a coincidence now fuelling fresh scrutiny. 

Other emails, allegedly from January 2013, show Epstein advising Waheed that a US$ 4 billion proposal was “a scam” and recommending he set up a fully state-owned construction company to channel any funds.

Epstein also appears to have offered campaign support. He suggested a Swedish diplomat to help Waheed’s 2013 presidential run — someone described in the emails as a “friend of his.” 

Leaked correspondence also suggests Waheed met Epstein in the U.S. during a 2012 visit to the UN General Assembly.

The revelations have sparked outrage in the Maldives, with observers calling for greater transparency into Waheed’s dealings with Epstein. 

Epstein was arrested in 2019 on sex trafficking charges and was found dead in prison shortly after.

Former President Mohamed Nasheed has denied being the “former Maldives president” mentioned in some of Epstein’s emails, saying he was not in New York at the time.

On May 26, 2025, current President Dr Mohamed Muizzu appointed Waheed as Special Envoy of the President. Since then, he has attended international events, representing the Maldives.