Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1543191
3 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 11 FEBRUARY 2026 ANAYLSIS Files, and why they matter to Malta Debono examines what they reveal, and why Malta should pay attention Perhaps the most disturbing lesson is how young women — including mi- nors — were allegedly used as curren- cy. Epstein's trafficking network was not simply about sexual gratification; it functioned as a mechanism of con- trol, compromise, and leverage over powerful individuals. There is no evidence of similar prac- tices in Malta's political sphere. The only sensational case involving a pol- itician allegedly present in a legally established brothel in Germany was brought up by Daphne Caruana Gali- zia, the case itself did not raise issues of hobnobbing with elites and sexual favours being exchanged for influence. But the absence of reported cases is no excuse for closing an eye to the risks: for sexual exploitation serves as another tool for informal lobbying. In this sense the private lives of political and business actors become a matter of public interest when certain lines are crossed and sex is used for transac- tional influence. In small, interconnected societies like Malta, lessons about vulnerability, social networks, and ecosystem ma- nipulation are particularly relevant. Lesson 4: Populist politics and elite networks can intertwine The Epstein files reveal that populist anti-establishment figures hobnobbed with elites. Steve Bannon, a promot- er of far-right movements across the globe and a former Trump strategist, discussed political strategy and mes- saging with Epstein, including coach- ing on media campaigns. Despite pub- licly critiquing elites, Bannon engaged with Epstein to pursue strategic goals. Bannon also sought Epstein's support for far-right European parties, explor- ing ways to raise funds and build net- works among nationalist and Euros- ceptic forces such as those linked with Italy's Matteo Salvini and France's Ma- rine Le Pen. While there is no evidence Epstein directly financed these parties, the exchanges show how anti-estab- lishment rhetoric and elite interests can intersect. Sure, Epstein did not limit his ex- changed to the political right-wing, as evidenced by relationships cultivated across the political spectrum. Tragi- cally even principled public intellectu- als like Noam Chomsky were courted and ended up in the billionaire's wider social circle. Malta provides a few parallels on the interaction between elites and populist messaging. Anti-establishment rheto- ric is often deployed to defend power- ful individuals accused of corruption, demonstrating how elites can project themselves as victims. Moreover, hir- ing global consultants for local politi- cal campaigning also exposes local po- litical parties to risks, especially when these consultants navigate in global elite networks. Lesson 5: Malta's global position brings opportunities and attracts risk Malta's openness, small size, and integration into the global economy make it a natural destination for high- net-worth individuals, international investors, and political actors. At the same time, this strategic position can attract individuals whose presence may raise ethical or reputational ques- tions. Even more dangerously global capitalism is itself often embedded in networks involving shady characters like Epstein. Peter Thiel, the tech investor and co-founder of PayPal and Palantir who has been reported to be seeking Maltese citizenship and has invested in Malta-based ventures —appears in the Epstein files and has acknowledged professional contacts with Epstein, which he says did not result in any long-term business relationship. A photograph from the Epstein files shows a chummy 2015 dinner attend- ed by Facebook founder Mark Zucker- berg seated at a dining table alongside Elon Musk, and Joi Ito, the former di- rector of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Media Lab. Peter Thiel was also in attendance, but he was not pictured. The gathering which took place in 2015 features in an email to billionaire Tom Pritzker where it was described as "wild." Cambridge Analytica harvesting da- ta from over 6,000 Maltese Facebook users was another example of how the country intersects with global in- fluence networks. Alexander Nix, the former CEO of Cambridge Analytica, is also mentioned in Epstein-related material and has acknowledged busi- ness contacts with Epstein. These examples show how a globally connected island like Malta can attract attention from influential figures on multiple fronts. Malta's residency and citizenship schemes, including "golden passport" programs, have drawn high-net-worth individuals, sometimes raising ques- tions about vetting and suitability. While this brings capital and talent, it can also create opportunities for in- formal influence and reputational risk, especially given the limited enforce- ment of lobbying and gift regulations. But ultimately the greatest lesson from the Epstein files is that corrup- tion is not limited to direct bribery as influence can be peddled through net- working in an ecosystem which, tran- scends borders. Peter Thiel (right), the tech investor and co-founder of PayPal and Palantir who has been reported to be seeking Maltese citizenship