British International Investment Pauses New DP World Funding Amid Epstein Allegations

The UK’s development finance institution British International Investment has announced it is pausing new investments with global ports operator DP World following allegations linking the company’s chairman and chief executive, Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, to the late U.S. financier Jeffrey Epstein.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, a spokesperson for British International Investment said the organisation was shocked by the claims emerging from recently released documents connected to Epstein. The institution confirmed that it would not proceed with any new financial commitments involving DP World until the company has taken what it described as the required actions in response to the allegations.

British International Investment, formerly known as CDC Group, operates as the UK government’s development finance arm, backing private sector projects in emerging markets to support economic growth and infrastructure development. It currently invests alongside DP World in four African port projects, partnerships that have focused on expanding trade capacity and improving logistics networks across the continent.

The decision to halt fresh investments does not automatically affect existing commitments, but it signals heightened scrutiny over governance and reputational risk. Development finance institutions are subject to strict ethical and compliance standards, particularly when public funds are involved. Any association with controversial figures can trigger internal reviews and reputational safeguards.

DP World, headquartered in Dubai, is one of the world’s largest port operators, managing dozens of marine terminals globally. The company has played a prominent role in infrastructure development across Africa, Asia and Europe, often partnering with governments and multilateral lenders to finance and operate strategic ports.

The allegations stem from documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, whose connections to prominent political and business figures have been widely examined in recent years. Epstein died in custody in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges. Ongoing document disclosures have continued to generate scrutiny around individuals named in connection with him, though inclusion in released materials does not necessarily imply wrongdoing.

Market analysts note that development finance institutions are particularly sensitive to governance concerns because of their mandate to promote responsible and sustainable investment. British International Investment has previously emphasized its commitment to high environmental, social and governance standards in all partnerships.

For DP World, the pause in new funding discussions could create short term uncertainty, particularly in projects requiring blended finance structures involving public and private capital. However, the broader impact will depend on how the company responds to the allegations and whether additional information emerges.

The development comes at a time when global infrastructure investment is increasingly tied to transparency and accountability requirements, with public institutions under pressure to ensure partners meet rigorous ethical benchmarks.