Norway's Former Prime Minister Faces Corruption Probe Over Epstein Communications
Norwegian authorities have initiated a significant corruption investigation targeting the country's former Prime Minister, Thorbjørn Jagland, following the release of new documents related to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. The economic crime unit, Økokrim, announced on Thursday that it is examining Mr. Jagland, aged 75, for allegations of "aggravated corruption" based on a tranche of files published by the US Department of Justice last week.
Diplomatic Links and Alleged Stays at Epstein's Residence
The recently disclosed files include extensive communications between Mr. Jagland and Jeffrey Epstein, spanning several years. Among the revelations are emails suggesting that Mr. Jagland stayed at Epstein's home during a period when he held some of Europe's most influential diplomatic positions. Mr. Jagland served as Norway's prime minister from 1996 to 1997, led the Council of Europe from 2009 to 2019, and chaired the Nobel Committee from 2009 to 2015.
Police have already requested Norway's foreign ministry to lift Mr. Jagland's diplomatic immunity, which he retains from his tenure as secretary general of the Council of Europe. Økokrim chief Pål K. Lønseth stated, "We consider there are reasonable grounds for investigation. Among other things, we will look into whether gifts, travel or loans were received in connection with his position."
Cooperation and Confidence from Jagland's Legal Team
Mr. Jagland's lawyer, Anders Brosveet, has confirmed that his client will fully cooperate with the investigation. In a statement emailed to The Independent, Brosveet described the investigation as being viewed "positively" and emphasized that it is "important" for questions regarding Mr. Jagland's conduct to be "clarified in a proper and professional manner."
He added, "We will submit our key findings and the relevant documentation to Økokrim as soon as it is practically possible. We wish to contribute fully so that Økokrim has a solid basis for its assessment. Based on what we have uncovered so far, we remain confident about the outcome."
Epstein's Attempts to Leverage Jagland's Connections
Mr. Jagland publicly distanced himself from Epstein late last year when earlier files revealed that the pair had apparently discussed Russia and former US president Donald Trump in 2018. The new documents show that Epstein was particularly keen to utilize Mr. Jagland's connections to arrange meetings with Russian president Vladimir Putin.
In June 2013, Epstein emailed Jagland inviting Putin for dinner, writing, "Bill Gates will be staying with me in Paris, for Sunday Monday, Putin is welcome to join for dinner." Epstein followed up in 2015, requesting, "I still would like to meet Putin and talk economy, I would really appreciate your assistance."
Broader Impact on Norway's Political and Business Elite
This case represents the latest Epstein files revelation to send shockwaves through Norway, as the country grapples with a cascade of disclosures about prominent figures' ties to Epstein. Earlier this week, Crown Princess Mette‑Marit apologized for "poor judgement" after documents showed she had extensive contact with Epstein.
Additionally, on Thursday, the World Economic Forum announced its own internal review into CEO Børge Brende's interactions with Epstein, which included business dinners and email exchanges. Mr. Brende, who previously served as Norway's foreign minister from 2013 to 2017, has stated that his encounters with Epstein occurred in the context of business meetings and that he was unaware of Epstein's criminal background at the time.
Norway's current foreign minister, Espen Barth Eide, commented that it is "important that the facts of this case are brought to light" and confirmed that Oslo would ask the Council of Europe to revoke Mr. Jagland's immunity. Økokrim indicated that further details of the investigation will be released "at a later stage."
