Former Norwegian prime minister Thorbjørn Jagland has been formally charged with gross corruption in connection with alleged ties to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, Norwegian authorities confirmed.
The charge follows a decision by the Council of Europe to lift diplomatic immunity previously granted to Jagland during his tenure as secretary general.
Norway’s national authority for investigating and prosecuting economic and environmental crime, Økokrim, launched the probe after examining evidence suggesting Jagland received financial benefits and travel support linked to Epstein between 2011 and 2018.
Jagland, who led Norway from 1996 to 1997 and later chaired the Norwegian Nobel Committee, has denied criminal wrongdoing and stated through legal representatives that he intends to fully cooperate with investigators.
Authorities said recently released email exchanges suggest Jagland arranged both personal and family trips to Epstein’s residences in several international locations, including Paris, New York and Palm Beach, after Epstein’s conviction for child sex offences.
Investigators are also examining whether Epstein financed certain travel arrangements for Jagland and his relatives.
Police carried out searches at three properties connected to Jagland, including his residence in Oslo, as part of the ongoing investigation.
Norwegian broadcaster NRK reported that investigators are also reviewing allegations that Jagland sought Epstein’s assistance in securing a bank loan, though officials have not confirmed whether this claim forms part of the corruption charge.
The case gained international attention following the release of documents by the US Department of Justice containing millions of emails, photographs and investigative reports relating to Epstein, who died in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges.
The fallout from the document release has drawn several prominent Norwegian figures into public scrutiny. Among them is Mette-Marit, who publicly apologised after details emerged regarding her past personal communications with Epstein.
Norwegian diplomats Mona Juul and Terje Rød-Larsen are also under investigation over allegations that Epstein intended to leave financial bequests to their children, claims both deny.
Additionally, the World Economic Forum initiated an independent review into its president, Børge Brende, following disclosures of past meetings and communications with Epstein. Brende has acknowledged contact but maintains he was unaware of Epstein’s criminal history at the time.
Legal experts suggest the investigation into Jagland could become one of Norway’s most significant corruption cases involving a former national leader. The decision to revoke diplomatic immunity marks a rare step by an international institution, reflecting the seriousness of the allegations.
Norwegian prosecutors have not yet announced a timeline for potential court proceedings. Meanwhile, Jagland’s legal team maintains that references in the so-called Epstein files do not, by themselves, establish evidence of criminal conduct. Investigations by Norwegian authorities remain ongoing.