OSLO: Norway’s economic crime police unit, Oekokrim, has launched an investigation into former Prime Minister and Norwegian Nobel Committee chairman Thorbjoern Jagland on suspicion of aggravated corruption. The probe follows revelations from newly released documents linked to the late U.S. sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, Oekokrim said on Thursday.
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Oekokrim director Paal Loeseth stated that there are “reasonable grounds for investigation,” given Jagland’s positions as chair of the Nobel Committee and Secretary General of the Council of Europe during the period covered by the released files. The investigation will examine whether Jagland received gifts, travel, or loans connected to his official roles.
The Norwegian Nobel Institute said Wednesday it was awaiting an explanation from Norway’s former prime minister Thorbjorn Jagland, a former chair of the committee that awards the peace prize, over reported links to US billionaire Jeffrey Epstein. https://t.co/oYYtSTibXa pic.twitter.com/4zLAwMe8ey
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As part of the process, authorities requested that Jagland’s immunity, due to his former leadership of an international organisation, be lifted. The Norwegian Foreign Ministry approved the request. Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide stressed the importance of transparency, saying, “It is important that the facts of this case are brought to light.” He added that Norway would propose revoking Jagland’s immunity to the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers.
Jagland’s lawyer, Anders Brosveet, welcomed the investigation, affirming that his client would cooperate fully. “Based on what we have found so far, we are confident of the outcome,” he said.
The Norwegian Nobel Committee declined to comment on the investigation but confirmed that it “welcomes all the facts in this case.”
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Jagland is among several Norwegian figures now facing scrutiny for connections to Epstein. Another notable individual is Crown Princess Mette-Marit, who admitted to exercising poor judgment in maintaining associations with Epstein following his conviction.
The development underscores growing international attention on prominent individuals linked to Epstein, highlighting the global repercussions of the late financier’s networks.