The Nobel Committee has initiated an audit following suspicions of information leaks about the Peace Prize winner, coinciding with a significant rise in bets on an American betting platform. According to reports by Norwegian newspaper Finansavisen on October 10, the investigation focuses on whether data was compromised through private individuals or digital vulnerabilities. Christian Berg Harpviken, director of the Norwegian Nobel Institute, stated, “We have no explanation, but we will do everything possible to find out if there was a leak or if the reason lies in something in our system.”
The controversy emerged after the ratings for Maria Corina Machado, leader of the Venezuelan opposition, saw an abrupt spike from 3.6% to over 70% within hours. Three users reportedly placed large bets on her victory, netting $90,000 in total. The Nobel Peace Prize was awarded on October 10 to Machado for her advocacy of democratic rights and efforts toward a peaceful transition from dictatorship to democracy in Venezuela.
