Ex-Norwegian PM Under Corruption Probe Over Epstein Links

Former Norwegian Prime Minister Thorbjørn Jagland is under police investigation for “aggravated corruption” in connection with his alleged ties to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, authorities confirmed on Thursday.

Paal Loeseth, director of Norway’s economic crime unit, Økokrim, said the investigation is warranted due to Jagland’s former roles as chair of the Nobel Committee and Secretary General of the Council of Europe during the period covered by the recently released documents. “Among other things, Økokrim will examine whether gifts, travel, or loans were received in connection with his positions,” Loeseth added.

Jagland’s lawyer, Anders Brosveet, stated that the former PM welcomes the investigation and will fully cooperate. “It is better for Jagland to receive authoritative clarification from Økokrim rather than have the press conduct their own informal inquiries,” Brosveet told AFP.

Jagland, 75, served as Norway’s prime minister from 1996 to 1997 and as Secretary General of the Council of Europe from 2009 to 2019. He also chaired the Nobel Peace Prize Committee between 2009 and 2015. Norwegian authorities have requested that Jagland’s immunity be lifted to facilitate the probe, with Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide confirming that Norway will propose revoking it to the Council of Europe. “It is important that the facts of this case are brought to light,” Eide said.

The investigation follows revelations from a cache of nearly three million documents recently released by the US Justice Department, which have drawn scrutiny of Jagland and other prominent Norwegians, including Crown Princess Mette-Marit and former Foreign Minister Børge Brende.

Kristian Berg Harpviken, director of the Norwegian Nobel Institute, emphasised that any significant financial benefits received from Epstein during Jagland’s tenure on the Nobel Committee would violate its ethical code. Jagland has admitted exercising “poor judgment” in maintaining ties with Epstein.

The documents include messages between Jagland and Epstein, sparking public outrage in Norway and prompting ongoing reviews of several high-profile figures connected to Epstein’s network. While appearing in the files does not necessarily indicate wrongdoing, the revelations have renewed scrutiny of Norway’s political and diplomatic elite.