Former Norwegian PM charged with aggravated corruption in Epstein probe

The release of newly disclosed Epstein-related documents has reportedly led to the arrest of former Norwegian Prime Minister Thorbjørn Jagland. 

According to reports, he was taken into custody at his home on Thursday and charged with aggravated corruption after an investigation into his alleged connections to convicted US sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The charge reportedly follows a decision by the Council of Europe to lift Jagland’s diplomatic immunity, which he held during his tenure as secretary general of the organiasation from 2009 to 2019.

Jagland has denied any criminal wrongdoing and stated that he intends to cooperate fully with investigators. His legal representatives, Elden Law Firm, confirmed that he has been formally charged but rejects all allegations.

Norway’s economic and environmental crime authority, Økokrim, said it will question Jagland as part of its ongoing inquiry. 

According to reports, searches were conducted at his residence in Oslo as well as at properties in Risør and Rauland.

Investigators previously announced that Jagland was under scrutiny based on information contained in a recent batch of Epstein-related documents released by the US Department of Justice. Authorities are examining whether he received gifts, travel benefits, or financial assistance connected to his official roles.

The documents reportedly suggest that Epstein paid for travel expenses for Jagland and his family to visit properties in Paris, New York, and Palm Beach. Released emails are said to indicate that Jagland arranged both personal and family trips to Epstein’s residences after Epstein had already been convicted of a child sex offense. A planned 2014 visit to Epstein’s private Caribbean island was reportedly canceled.

There are also reports claiming that Jagland sought Epstein’s assistance in securing a bank loan, though it remains unclear whether such support was ever provided. Norwegian broadcaster NRK has reported on this allegation, but authorities have not confirmed if it is included in the formal charge.

Jagland served as Norway’s prime minister from 1996 to 1997 and later held roles as foreign minister and chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee. He also led the Council of Europe for a decade, an organization focused on promoting democracy and human rights across the continent.