Oslo: The Norwegian Nobel Committee has revealed that the identity of the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize laureate was likely disclosed before the official announcement due to suspected digital spying or cyber intrusion a first in the history of the prestigious award. The revelation has triggered international concern over digital vulnerabilities within one of the world’s most secretive selection processes.
In a statement released on Friday, the Nobel Committee’s permanent secretary acknowledged that investigators have not yet pinpointed exactly how the leak occurred or who was responsible, but they believe the breach originated in the “digital domain,” suggesting possible cyber espionage. Committee officials are now working with Norway’s intelligence agencies to determine whether the leak stemmed from an internal source or an external hacker including potential involvement by criminal networks or a state actor.
The suspected leak was flagged on October 10 last year, just hours before the Nobel Peace Prize was formally announced in Oslo, when an online prediction market saw a sudden, dramatic surge in bets for Venezuelan opposition leader MarĂa Corina Machado. Betting on her winning the award soared to roughly $2.2 million, despite her name not having been floated by experts or media outlets in advance.
Prediction platforms like Polymarket where the spike occurred are often used by traders to speculate on real-world events and sometimes reflect collective sentiment or insider information. In this case, Machado’s odds leapt from negligible to overwhelming within hours, prompting immediate suspicion of advanced knowledge of the committee’s decision.
While the unusual betting activity clearly suggests someone may have had prior knowledge of the Nobel Committee’s choice, authorities have not yet determined the motive. It remains unclear whether the suspicious actors were driven by the prospect of financial gain, an intent to undermine the Nobel Prize’s credibility, or political motives. Officials caution that focusing on motive will depend on the direction of the ongoing investigation.
The Nobel Committee has maintained that the secretive selection process traditionally known for strict confidentiality has never before suffered a confirmed leak of this kind, underscoring the gravity of the situation and the potential implications for global institutions in the digital age.
MarĂa Corina Machado, a longtime opposition leader in Venezuela, was awarded the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for her relentless advocacy of democratic rights and peaceful transition from authoritarian rule. In her acceptance, she controversially dedicated part of her honor to U.S. President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly stated that he believes he deserved the Nobel Peace Prize himself.
In response to the suspected breach, the Nobel Institute has pledged to significantly enhance its digital security protocols to safeguard future announcements. The incident also spotlights the rising intersection of cybersecurity, financial markets, and international awards, raising broader questions about how confidential information is protected in an era of pervasive digital access and sophisticated online platforms.