Former Norwegian prime minister and high-level international official Thorbjørn Jagland has been charged with gross corruption following a widening investigation linked to the late American financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The development comes amid an ongoing probe triggered by newly released documents from the U.S. Department of Justice, part of the so-called “Epstein Files,” which have revealed extensive contacts between Epstein and prominent figures around the world.
On Thursday, Norway’s National Authority for Investigation and Prosecution of Economic and Environmental Crime (Økokrim) conducted coordinated searches of several properties linked to Jagland, including his residence in Oslo and holiday homes in Risør and Rauland.
The raids followed a unanimous decision by the Council of Europe to strip Jagland of diplomatic immunity, clearing the way for criminal proceedings.
Jagland, 75, once served as Norway’s prime minister in the mid-1990s, later becoming Secretary-General of the Council of Europe and Chairman of the Norwegian Nobel Committee — roles that previously granted him legal protections from prosecution.
The corruption charges stem from evidence in the released Epstein files suggesting that Jagland and his family stayed at or vacationed in properties owned by Epstein, in Paris, New York and Palm Beach, at times when he held influential international posts.
Prosecutors are investigating whether any benefits received during these contacts could constitute bribery or other forms of corruption.
Okokrim has described the case as involving “aggravated corruption,” and authorities have said they believe there are reasonable grounds for investigation given the nature of the interactions shown in the records.
Jagland has denied criminal liability and said he will cooperate with investigators. His lawyer stated that the former official wishes to see the case “thoroughly clarified.”
Earlier in the investigation, Jagland acknowledged that maintaining ties with Epstein may have reflected “poor judgment” but denied any illegal or unethical acts.
The legal action against Jagland is part of a broader ripple effect from the recent release of millions of pages of documents related to Epstein’s activities and connections.
In Norway, the files have also drawn attention to other high-profile figures and have stirred debate about elite relationships with Epstein before and after his 2008 conviction.
As the case unfolds, the investigation into Jagland marks one of the most significant legal consequences yet linked to the Epstein scandal in Europe.
Authorities say further questioning and legal steps are expected as part of the ongoing probe.
