Former Norwegian PM Thorbjørn Jagland Charged With Gross Corruption Over Ties To Epstein
Former Norwegian Prime Minister Thorbjørn Jagland has been charged with “gross corruption” over his ties to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, Norwegian authorities confirmed on Thursday.
The charge follows a decision by the Council of Europe to lift Jagland’s diplomatic immunity, which he held due to his role as the organisation’s secretary general from 2009 to 2019. Norway’s economic crime unit, Økokrim, had requested the change as part of its investigation into alleged misconduct between 2011 and 2018.
Økokrim director Pål Lønseth said several of Jagland’s properties were also searched as part of the investigation, including his home in Oslo and two other properties. Investigators are now preparing to question him.
Jagland’s lawyer confirmed he has been formally charged with aggravated corruption and said he denies the accusations. “Jagland wants to contribute to the case being thoroughly investigated, and the next step is that he will appear for questioning at Økokrim,” his lawyer said. He added that the searches were a routine part of such investigations. Jagland, who served as Norway’s prime minister from 1996 to 1997 and also chaired the Norwegian Nobel Committee, denies any criminal liability and says he is cooperating fully with the investigation.
Authorities have been examining whether Jagland received gifts, paid travel or financial assistance linked to his official roles. Newly released files from the US Department of Justice appear to show that Epstein covered travel costs for Jagland and his family to properties in Paris, New York and Palm Beach. In one 2015 email exchange, Jagland asked to stay at Epstein’s apartment in Paris and was told: “you may stay at his flat!” There are also claims that Jagland sought Epstein’s help in securing a bank loan, though police have not confirmed whether that forms part of the charge.
The widening fallout from the Epstein files has shaken Norway’s political and royal circles. Crown Princess Mette-Marit has faced scrutiny over past contact with Epstein and issued what the royal household described as a “profound apology”, saying she regretted not recognising “what kind of person he was.” The controversy has sparked debate over her future role as queen, particularly given the age and health of King Harald V.
Other high-profile Norwegians under review include Børge Brende, head of the World Economic Forum, and diplomat Mona Juul, who resigned after reports that her children were named in an alleged will signed by Epstein days before his death.
Epstein died in a New York jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. The latest batch of documents released by US authorities has triggered investigations and political pressure in several countries. In Norway, an oversight committee has approved open hearings into possible links revealed in the files and sent a list of questions to the government. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre has said he supports an independent inquiry and will testify if required.
For Jagland, the case now moves into the questioning phase as prosecutors examine whether his past relationship with Epstein crossed the line into criminal conduct.
