Norwegian authorities have launched a formal corruption investigation into Thorbjørn Jagland, the country’s former Prime Minister and esteemed diplomat, following revelations connecting him to the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The National Authority for Investigation and Prosecution of Economic and Environmental Crime (Økokrim) confirmed the investigation centers on suspicions of “aggravated corruption” during Jagland’s tenure in high-profile international positions.
Police officials disclosed they have formally requested Norway’s foreign ministry to revoke Jagland’s diplomatic immunity, which he maintains from his previous role as Secretary General of the Council of Europe from 2009 to 2019. The investigation stems from newly released Epstein documents in the United States that allegedly contain references to the Norwegian statesman.
Pål K. Lønseth, head of Økokrim, stated the investigation will examine whether Jagland received “gifts, travel and loans” potentially connected to his official capacities during the period covered by the Epstein documents. Jagland held simultaneous leadership roles from 2009-2015 as both Council of Europe Secretary General and chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee.
Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide emphasized the importance of transparency, confirming Oslo would formally request the Council of Europe to waive Jagland’s immunity. Jagland’s legal representative, Anders Brosveet, pledged full cooperation with investigators, expressing confidence in the outcome based on their preliminary findings. The 75-year-old statesman served as Norway’s prime minister from 1996-1997 before assuming his international diplomatic roles.