Norwegian police have opened an investigation into former prime minister Thorbjørn Jagland after his name appeared in newly released Jeffrey Epstein documents. Økokrim says it is probing suspected "aggravated corruption," including whether gifts, travel or loans were linked to his official roles. Norway will request that the Council of Europe lift Jagland’s immunity so the inquiry can proceed. The allegations come from court-released files and are under investigation; no charges have been filed.
Norway Opens Police Probe Into Ex-PM Thorbjørn Jagland Over Links To Jeffrey Epstein
Thorbjørn Jagland faces an ‘aggravated corruption’ inquiry following evidence of links with Jeffrey Epstein - Mateusz Wlodarczyk/NurPhoto
Norway has opened a police investigation into former prime minister Thorbjørn Jagland, 75, after his name appeared in documents connected to financier Jeffrey Epstein that were recently released by the US Department of Justice.
What Is Being Investigated
Økokrim, Norway’s unit for economic crime, confirmed it has "opened an investigation into... Thorbjørn Jagland, on suspicion of aggravated corruption." The inquiry will examine whether gifts, travel or loans were received in connection with positions Jagland held while the events described in the documents occurred.
Allegations in the Released Files
The documents include emails in which Epstein wrote that Mr Jagland "would be on his private island 'for the entire next week'" and indicate the former prime minister attempted to take his family there. Other correspondence reportedly mentions "extraordinary girls" in Albania and appears to show Mr Jagland arranging — or facilitating — a meeting between Epstein and Vladimir Putin. These items are part of the court-released files and are being reviewed by investigators; they remain allegations until proven.
Roles And Timeframe
Jagland served as Norway’s prime minister from 1996 to 1997 and was secretary general of the Council of Europe from 2009 to 2019. Between January 2009 and March 2015 he chaired the committee that selects the Nobel Peace Prize winner, a period during which the prize was awarded to Barack Obama. Økokrim said those roles were relevant to the scope of the investigation.
Immunity And Next Steps
Norway’s foreign minister, Espen Barth Eide, said he will ask the Council of Europe’s committee of ministers to lift Jagland’s immunity as a former head of an international organisation so the probe can proceed. "It is important that the facts of this case are brought to light. That means Mr Jagland’s immunity cannot stand in the way of an investigation," Mr Barth Eide said.
Norwegian newspaper VG reported that Jagland had extensive contact with Epstein, citing the latest batch of documents released by the US Department of Justice. Authorities stress the investigation is ongoing and that appearing in the files does not constitute a conviction; Jagland has not been charged at this stage.
Note: The information under investigation derives from documents released by US authorities and media reports. Økokrim will determine whether any laws were broken based on the evidence.
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