The Norwegian Nobel Committee announced the immediate launch of an investigation into a potential leak of the Nobel Peace Prize winner’s name, after suspicious betting activity suddenly favored Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado just hours before the official announcement.

In a single night, Machado’s odds on the American betting platform “Polymarket” soared from around 3.75% to 73%, an unprecedented jump that raised suspicions of prior knowledge of the prize outcome. Polymarket is a cryptocurrency-based platform that allows users to bet on future events, from elections to global awards.

Data expert Robert Nice described the event as “highly unusual in betting markets and raises concern,” while Nobel Committee chairman Jørgen Watne Frydnes stated that “it is unlikely that there was a leak,” noting that “such an incident has never been recorded in the history of the prize.”

Investigation Opened

Nevertheless, Nobel Institute director Kristian Berg Harpviken confirmed that the organization will conduct an investigation to ensure no leak occurred, adding that “it is still early to draw conclusions, but we will examine the details carefully.” It is worth noting that the Nobel Peace Prize winner’s name remains a closely guarded secret among a limited number of committee members and is only revealed at the official announcement.

Machado, 58, surprised many followers as she was not considered one of the frontrunners this year. After receiving the news, she appeared in a video visibly shocked, saying: “I am extremely grateful on behalf of the people of Venezuela. We have not yet reached our goal, but I am confident that we will prevail.”