Sun Oct 12 06:12:09 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the provided text, followed by a news article rewrite, tailored to “The Hindu” newspaper’s style:

**Summary:**

The Nobel Institute is investigating a potential leak regarding the Nobel Peace Prize awarded to Venezuelan Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado. A sudden, significant jump in betting odds favoring Machado just before the announcement raised suspicions of espionage. While the committee chairman initially dismissed the possibility of a leak, the Nobel Institute Director acknowledged the likelihood of espionage, given the Institute’s attractiveness to actors seeking information for political or economic gain. The award to Machado, recognized for her democratic activism, was met with disappointment by Donald Trump’s office, which perceived it as politically motivated.

**News Article:**

**Espionage Suspected in Nobel Peace Prize Leak, Claims Nobel Institute**

**Oslo, October 12, 2025:** The Nobel Institute has launched an investigation into a potential leak surrounding the Nobel Peace Prize awarded to Venezuelan Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado. The probe was triggered by a dramatic surge in Ms. Machado’s betting odds on the predictive platform Polymarket in the days leading up to Friday’s announcement.

Kristian Berg Harpviken, Director of the Nobel Institute, stated to Norwegian media that espionage was “highly likely” behind the unusual betting activity. This occurred after a spike from 3.75% to nearly 73% favouring Ms Machado on the predictive betting platform Polymarket. No expert or media outlet had mentioned her as being among the favourites for the prize, which was announced just a few hours later in Oslo.

“It’s too certain to say for sure, but it’s no secret that the Nobel Institute is subject to espionage,” Mr. Harpviken told TV2 television. “It is obvious that the institution is of interest to actors who want to acquire information, both states and other organisations.”

While Committee chairman Jorgen Watne Frydnes initially expressed disbelief in any leak, stating, “I don’t think there have ever been any leaks in the entire history of the prize,” the Institute has pledged to enhance security measures.

Ms. Machado, who was barred from running in the 2024 Venezuelan presidential elections, was awarded the prestigious prize for her relentless efforts in advocating for democratic rights and pursuing a peaceful transition from dictatorship in Venezuela.

The award has drawn criticism from the office of former U.S. President Donald Trump, who has long coveted the prize. A spokesperson for Mr. Trump called the committee’s decision to honour Ms. Machado as an act of “politics over peace”.

The Nobel Institute has stated that the investigation is ongoing and aims to identify the source of any potential security breaches.

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