UK’s British International Investment Pauses New Investment in DP World Amid Epstein-Linked Allegations
London/Dubai: The UK government-owned development finance institution, British International Investment (BII), has announced a pause on any new investment commitments with Dubai-based global ports and logistics operator DP World, following allegations linking the company’s CEO to convicted US financier Jeffrey Epstein.
According to a Bloomberg report published Friday, a BII spokesperson said the institution was “shocked” by allegations contained in newly released Epstein-related documents and would refrain from making further investments in DP World until appropriate steps are taken.
Allegations and Document Disclosures
Epstein, who was convicted in a sexual abuse case and died in jail in 2019, has recently re-emerged in global headlines after the US Department of Justice released a large volume of emails and documents related to his activities.
The documents reportedly indicate that Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, CEO of DP World, maintained personal and business communications with Epstein for over a decade. Emails referenced potential business initiatives, possible deals, and, according to reports, contained explicit personal references.
DP World has not publicly detailed any internal findings related to the newly disclosed documents at the time of reporting.
Canada’s Pension Fund Also Suspends Investment
Prior to BII’s announcement, Canadian pension fund La Caisse had similarly declared a suspension of new investments with DP World, citing the same allegations.
The coordinated moves by major institutional investors mark a significant development for DP World, a state-backed enterprise of the United Arab Emirates that operates more than 40 ports globally through public-private partnerships, including in India, Pakistan, and across Africa.
Background: Africa Port Platform Project
In 2021, BII—formerly known as CDC Group—announced a joint investment initiative with DP World to build an integrated port platform in Africa. The plan included projects in Senegal, Egypt, and Somaliland, with a proposed total investment of approximately $400 million over several years.
The future of that investment framework now remains uncertain following the suspension decision.
Bangladesh Context: DP World and Chattogram Port
DP World has also been a prominent name in Bangladesh in recent months.
Final discussions had begun over leasing the New Mooring Container Terminal (NCT) at Chattogram Port to DP World. The proposal sparked nationwide debate and labor unrest.
Beginning February 3, the Chattogram Port Protection Committee launched a continuous strike demanding cancellation of the leasing initiative, among other demands.
However, on February 8, at a press conference, Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA) Executive Chairman and CEO of the Public-Private Partnership Authority, Chowdhury Ashik Mahmud Bin Harun, stated that there was no possibility of signing an NCT lease agreement during the tenure of the interim government. Following this announcement, the strike was suspended.
Analysis: Reputational and Strategic Implications
The investment pause by BII and La Caisse does not amount to a termination of existing partnerships but signals heightened scrutiny from global institutional investors regarding governance and reputational risk.
For Bangladesh, where port efficiency and foreign investment remain critical to trade competitiveness, the development may temporarily reduce momentum around foreign-operated terminal models. However, it also opens renewed discussion about transparency, due diligence, and strategic autonomy in infrastructure partnerships.
Further statements from DP World, BII, and other stakeholders are expected as the situation evolves.
