Norway’s former Prime Minister, Thorbjørn Jagland, is now facing charges of “gross corruption” stemming from his associations with the American sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The Norwegian police announced the charge following the Council of Europe’s decision to lift Jagland’s diplomatic immunity. This immunity had been afforded to him due to his prior role within the Council. Jagland, through his legal representation, has stated his denial of criminal liability and his readiness to cooperate with the investigation.
Evidence, reportedly in the form of emails declassified by the United States government, is understood to indicate Jagland’s arrangements for both solitary and family visits to Epstein’s residences. These properties were located in Paris, New York, and Palm Beach. Significantly, these alleged plans occurred after Epstein had already been convicted of a child sex offense.
The Norwegian crime unit, Økokrim, has conducted searches of three of Jagland’s properties. He is expected to undergo questioning. Jagland’s extensive public service career includes his term as Prime Minister from 1996 to 1997. Furthermore, he previously chaired the Norwegian Nobel Committee and served for a decade as Secretary General of the Council of Europe. His tenure as leader of the Council of Europe, an organization focused on democracy and human rights in Europe, provided him with diplomatic immunity for actions alleged to have taken place between 2009 and 2019.
Økokrim initiated a request for the Council of Europe to revoke Jagland’s immunity. This action followed the launch of an investigation earlier this month into allegations of gross corruption made against him, reportedly spanning the period between 2011 and 2018. The information contained within the Epstein files suggests that the late financier, Epstein, covered the travel expenses for Jagland and his family to visit his properties. There is also an indication that Jagland had made plans for a family excursion to Epstein’s private Caribbean island in 2014. This trip, however, was ultimately canceled after Epstein fell ill.
Additional allegations suggest that Jagland sought assistance from Epstein in securing a bank loan. Norwegian broadcaster NRK has reported on these claims, though it remains unclear whether such a loan was ultimately obtained. Police have not yet confirmed if this specific allegation is part of the broader gross corruption charge filed against him.
It is important to note that mere inclusion within the Epstein files, which have been released by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), does not inherently signify any wrongdoing. Jagland was observed departing his Oslo residence with his lawyer on Thursday. This property, along with two others in Risør and Rauland, was confirmed by Økokrim as having been searched as part of their investigation.
The recent publication of several batches of documents by the U.S. DOJ has drawn considerable attention to individuals from political, celebrity, and royal circles. These extensive files contain millions of private emails, images, and FBI reports concerning the late sex offender, who died in 2019 while awaiting trial for sex trafficking charges. Several prominent figures from Nordic countries have become entangled in this expanding scandal.
Other Notable Figures Implicated
Among those drawn into the controversy are Crown Princess Mette-Marit, diplomats Mona Juul and Terje Rød-Larsen, and the chief executive of the World Economic Forum (WEF), Børge Brende. Crown Princess Mette-Marit issued a “profound apology” to the Norwegian public for her friendship with Epstein, following revelations that they had exchanged messages over a three-year period.
Mona Juul and her husband, Terje Rød-Larsen, are also under investigation by Norway’s Økokrim. The investigation concerns allegations of “aggravated corruption,” reportedly linked to Norwegian media reports suggesting that each of their children was set to inherit $5 million (£3.6 million) in a will allegedly signed by Epstein shortly before his death. Juul’s lawyer has stated that she “does not recognize the accusations made against her,” while Rød-Larsen’s lawyer expressed confidence that the investigation would establish “no basis for criminal liability.”
The World Economic Forum has commissioned an independent review concerning Børge Brende, who previously served as Norway’s Minister of Foreign Affairs. This review is examining his interactions with Epstein. Brende has acknowledged meeting Epstein for dinner on three occasions in 2018 and 2019. He also confirmed communicating with Epstein via email and text message but asserted that he was “completely unaware” of the latter’s past criminal activities. Brende has indicated his support for the WEF’s decision to initiate a review.