Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1543191
2 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 11 FEBRUARY 2026 ANALYSIS Five lessons from the Epstein Files, The Epstein files shed light on the hidden ecosystems through which global elites operate. James Debono MALTA appears only briefly in the Jeffrey Epstein files. The references are incidental: the island drew some attention as a potential financial des‑ tination, and a US diplomat, currently ambassador to Malta, is mentioned in earlier correspondence with Epstein— long before her posting. Other links involve broader geopolitical contexts, including Libya. Malta is definitely not at the centre of Epstein's network. Still, the files reveal how influence and power operate in global capi‑ talism—moving through proximity, wealth, social and political networks, often beyond formal oversight. For a small, open economy like Malta, these lessons are highly relevant: even minor intersections with elite networks can have outsized consequences. Lesson 1: Power flows through ecosystems, not just formal authority The Epstein files show that power often moves through networks rather than formal positions. Politicians, fi‑ nanciers, academics, philanthropists, celebrities, and diplomats can become enmeshed in a system where access, gifting, and social ties matter as much as official authority. Philanthropy was a key tool for Ep‑ stein. Epstein repeatedly presented himself as a major donor or potential donor to universities, research insti‑ tutes, charities and scientific projects. Charitable giving and intellectual pa‑ tronage allowed him to embed himself in respected institutions, lending legit‑ imacy while deflecting scrutiny. Malta shows similar dynamics: spon‑ sorships and donations, including ob‑ ligatory contributions by some pass‑ port and residency applicants carry a risk of reputational laundering — a way for wealthy entrants to associate themselves with public good while avoiding transparent oversight. Moreover, elite influence transcends borders. International examples of fig‑ ures operating within Epstein‑linked or similar elite networks include Lord Peter Mandelson, a former UK minis‑ ter and later ambassador who received the Ġieħ ir‑Repubblika award in 2015, and Ehud Barak, a former Israeli Prime Minister. Both cases illustrate how intermedi‑ aries can function as nodes of influ‑ ence within elite ecosystems. Mandel‑ son, in particular, was also a central figure in the construction of New La‑ bour, embedding the party within the eco system cultivated by global elites. This came at a cost; with Mandelson now being investigated for sharing state secrets. In Malta, the Daphne Caruana Gal‑ izia inquiry documented the dense overlap between business and politi‑ cal networks, showing how informal channels of influence can emerge even in small states. Malta also had its own unelected political appointees like Keith Schembri, a former chief of staff, who allegedly had a central role in lu‑ bricating relations between the new Labour administration and local and global players. Malta also faces challenges in regu‑ lating lobbying. Efforts to introduce stricter rules on lobbying, gifts, and in‑ formal influence have met resistance, leaving gaps where elite networks can operate with limited oversight. Diplomacy is not immune. The cur‑ rent US ambassador to Malta appears in Epstein correspondence dating before her appointment, with an as‑ sistant noting she knew and liked Ep‑ stein. No wrongdoing is implied, but it illustrates how elite networks can intersect with diplomats long before official postings. Lesson 2: Socialising with the wrong actors carries risk The Epstein files make clear that so‑ cialising itself can be a tool of influ‑ ence. Parties, dinners, private flights and shared holidays in his own private island allowed Epstein to cultivate re‑ lationships, observe habits, and iden‑ tify leverage points over politicians, businesspeople, and intellectuals. For public figures, the lesson is clear: discretion matters. Dangerous actors can infiltrate networks to gain credi‑ bility or access, and even informal in‑ teractions can carry significant risk. In Malta, the challenge is amplified. The country's small size and overlap‑ ping elite circles mean that even mi‑ nor encounters can have outsized con‑ sequences. While most interactions may be inconsequential, the potential for risk remains high, making vigilance and judgement essential. The files show that socialising can blur boundaries between formal influ‑ ence, lobbying, and informal persua‑ sion. Combined with Malta's resist‑ ance to enforcing strict lobbying rules, this means that influence networks can thrive in subtle ways that are dif‑ ficult to monitor. Malta had its own experience with elites wielding influence in this way; including rides on private jet, tickets for sporting events, free lodging in hotels, expensive gifts and invitations involving actors across the political spectrum. But it still lacks a register for lobbying and gifts. Draft legislation drawn up by the Office of the Com‑ missioner for Standards in Public Life have been pending since 2020. Lesson 3: Sexual exploitation can function as a tool of elite influence Somers Farkas posing with US president Donald Trump (Facebook/US Embassy Valletta Malta) Jeffrey Epstein