Norwegian authorities have formally charged former Prime Minister Thorbjørn Jagland with ‘gross corruption’ following investigations into his associations with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The charges emerged after the Council of Europe revoked Jagland’s diplomatic immunity, which he held during his tenure as secretary general from 2009 to 2019.
According to police documents, the investigation centers on Jagland’s interactions with Epstein between 2011 and 2018. Evidence includes emails released by the US Department of Justice indicating Jagland planned multiple visits to Epstein’s properties in Paris, New York, and Palm Beach following Epstein’s conviction for child sex offenses. Records show Epstein covered travel expenses for Jagland and his family, including a planned 2014 Caribbean island trip that was ultimately canceled due to Epstein’s illness.
Norwegian economic crime unit Økokrim conducted searches at three of Jagland’s properties in Oslo, Risør, and Rauland. The former leader, who also chaired the Norwegian Nobel Committee, maintains his innocence through legal representation. His lawyer stated Jagland denies criminal liability and remains willing to cooperate with investigators.
The case forms part of a broader Scandinavian investigation into Epstein connections that has implicated several high-profile Norwegian figures. Crown Princess Mette-Marit publicly apologized for her three-year correspondence with Epstein, while diplomats Mona Juul and Terje Rød-Larsen face separate corruption investigations related to alleged financial arrangements. World Economic Forum CEO Borge Brende, another former Norwegian foreign minister, is undergoing independent review regarding his interactions with Epstein.
The Epstein files release has triggered international repercussions, with the latest document tranche containing millions of emails, images, and FBI reports exposing connections between the financier and global elites before his 2019 death while awaiting trial for sex trafficking.