Former Norwegian Prime Minister Thorbjørn Jagland has been charged with gross corruption concerning his links to convicted US sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, according to statements from the Norwegian police.
The charge was officially filed after the Council of Europe made the decision to lift Jagland’s diplomatic immunity, a status he held due to his previous role as the secretary general of the organisation.
His legal representative has stated that Jagland denies any criminal liability and remains prepared to cooperate fully with investigators.
Økokrim, the economic crime unit of Norway, has conducted searches at three of Jagland’s properties and is expected to question him as part of the ongoing investigation. Authorities initiated the probe earlier this month into alleged acts of gross corruption said to have occurred between 2011 and 2018, during Jagland’s tenure at the Council of Europe.
Documents released by the US Department of Justice, frequently referred to as the Epstein files, suggest that Epstein may have covered travel expenses for Jagland and his family to visit properties in Paris, New York, and Palm Beach. A planned family trip to Epstein’s private Caribbean island in 2014 was subsequently cancelled.
There are further allegations that Jagland sought Epstein’s assistance in securing a bank loan, though it remains unclear whether this took place or if the claim forms part of the official charge. It is noted that being named in the US files does not in itself indicate any wrongdoing.
Jagland served as the Prime Minister of Norway from 1996 to 1997 and later held the position of chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee.
He served as the secretary general of the Council of Europe from 2009 to 2019. This case comes amidst heightened scrutiny in Norway following the release of millions of emails, images, and investigative records by US authorities related to Epstein, who died in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.
Several other Norwegian public figures, including senior officials and diplomats, have also faced investigation or review regarding alleged associations with Epstein.
Some have denied any wrongdoing, while others have apologised for their past links. The investigation into Jagland is currently ongoing.
