Police in Norway have opened a corruption investigation into the country's former Prime Minister Thorbjørn Jagland over his alleged links to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. A special Norwegian police unit that is analyzing newly released Epstein files in the U.S. reported that the 75-year-old is suspected of 'aggravated corruption'. The police have already requested the country's foreign ministry to lift his immunity, which he enjoys due to his past role as a senior foreign diplomat.
Jagland, also a former head of the Norwegian Nobel Committee and secretary-general of the Council of Europe, is under scrutiny as investigators explore whether he received gifts, travel, or loans connected to his influential positions.
Pål K. Lønseth, the head of Økokrim — the economic crime unit responsible for the investigation — stated, 'We consider there are reasonable grounds for investigation, given that he held the positions of chair of the Nobel Committee and Secretary General of the Council of Europe during the period covered by the released documents.'
Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide emphasized the importance of uncovering the facts in this case, asserting that Oslo would seek to revoke Jagland's immunity through the Council of Europe. Jagland's lawyer expressed confidence in cooperating fully with the investigation, indicating that they would submit key findings to Økokrim as soon as possible. Jagland served as Norway's Prime Minister from 1996 to 1997 and helmed the Nobel Committee from 2009 to 2015.
Jagland, also a former head of the Norwegian Nobel Committee and secretary-general of the Council of Europe, is under scrutiny as investigators explore whether he received gifts, travel, or loans connected to his influential positions.
Pål K. Lønseth, the head of Økokrim — the economic crime unit responsible for the investigation — stated, 'We consider there are reasonable grounds for investigation, given that he held the positions of chair of the Nobel Committee and Secretary General of the Council of Europe during the period covered by the released documents.'
Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide emphasized the importance of uncovering the facts in this case, asserting that Oslo would seek to revoke Jagland's immunity through the Council of Europe. Jagland's lawyer expressed confidence in cooperating fully with the investigation, indicating that they would submit key findings to Økokrim as soon as possible. Jagland served as Norway's Prime Minister from 1996 to 1997 and helmed the Nobel Committee from 2009 to 2015.
