Norwegian authorities have opened a corruption investigation into former Prime Minister Thorbjørn Jagland following fresh revelations about his ties to the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The probe was launched after documents released by the United States Department of Justice revealed years of communication between Jagland and Epstein, including emails suggesting the former Norwegian leader may have stayed at Epstein’s residence. Jagland served as Norway’s prime minister from 1996 to 1997 and later held influential international roles, including head of the Nobel Committee and secretary-general of the Council of Europe.
Økokrim, Norway’s agency responsible for investigating white-collar and financial crime, said it found “reasonable grounds” to suspect aggravated corruption. The agency confirmed it is examining whether Jagland received gifts, travel benefits or loans linked to his official positions.
As part of the process, Økokrim has asked Norway’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to move to revoke Jagland’s diplomatic immunity, which he holds due to his former role at the Council of Europe. Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide said immunity must not obstruct the search for truth, adding that Norway would formally request the Council of Europe to lift Jagland’s protections.
Jagland’s lawyer said his client welcomes the investigation and is calm about the process, according to local media reports.
The case is the latest development in a widening scandal in Norway following disclosures about Epstein’s connections to prominent political and business figures. Earlier this week, Crown Princess Mette-Marit publicly expressed regret over what she described as poor judgment after documents showed she had extensive contact with Epstein, while also voicing sympathy for his victims.
Meanwhile, the World Economic Forum (WEF) has announced a separate internal review into the dealings between its president and CEO, Borge Brende, and Epstein. The Geneva-based organisation said the investigation aims to clarify the nature of their interactions and reaffirm its commitment to transparency.
Brende, a former Norwegian foreign minister, acknowledged attending a small number of dinners where Epstein was present and exchanging limited messages with him, but said he was unaware of Epstein’s criminal past at the time. He added that he fully supports the review and had personally requested it.