Former Norwegian Prime Minister Thorbjørn Jagland has been charged with gross corruption over his ties with the US sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, police have said.
The charge was brought after the Council of Europe lifted Jagland's immunity, which he enjoyed because of his prior diplomatic role. Jagland denies any criminal liability and his legal representative has stated that he is willing to cooperate with authorities.
Recent emails released by the US government indicate that Jagland had planned personal and family visits to Epstein's residences in cities like Paris, New York, and Palm Beach, even after Epstein was convicted of a child sex offense.
Norwegian crime unit Økokrim conducted searches at three of Jagland's properties and he is now expected to be questioned as part of their investigation.
Jagland, who served as Prime Minister from 1996 to 1997, was also the head of the Norwegian Nobel Committee and spent a decade as secretary general of the Council of Europe. His diplomatic immunity had protected him from legal consequences regarding alleged acts committed during his tenure at the Council, which lasted from 2009 to 2019.
Authorities requested the revocation of Jagland's immunity after initiating an investigation earlier this month into allegations of gross corruption involving him between 2011 and 2018. Evidence suggests that Epstein may have covered travel expenses for Jagland and his family.
At one point, Jagland had arranged a family trip to Epstein's Caribbean island, but it was ultimately canceled due to Epstein's ill health. Additionally, Jagland is alleged to have solicited Epstein's assistance with a bank loan, though it remains unclear whether this effort was successful.
Previous released files from the Epstein case, made public by the US Department of Justice (DOJ), involving numerous public figures, celebrities, and royalties, have resulted in a broader scandal across Norway. Other notable individuals entangled in this situation include Crown Princess Mette-Marit and diplomats Mona Juul and Terje Rød-Larsen.
Crown Princess Mette-Marit offered an apology to Norwegians for her relationship with Epstein after it was revealed that they had exchanged messages for over three years. Meanwhile, Juul and Rød-Larsen are also being investigated for allegations of aggravated corruption in connection with Epstein's estate.
Further complicating matters, Borge Brende, the WEF chief and former Norwegian foreign minister, faced scrutiny over multiple dinners with Epstein and had acknowledged communication with him, asserting he was unaware of Epstein’s criminal past.
