OSLO, Feb. 5 (GeokHub) — Norway’s economic crime authority has opened a formal investigation into former Prime Minister Thorbjørn Jagland following revelations contained in recently released documents linked to the late U.S. financier Jeffrey Epstein.
The investigation, announced Thursday by Norway’s National Authority for Investigation and Prosecution of Economic and Environmental Crime, focuses on suspected aggravated corruption during the period when Jagland served as chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee and as Secretary General of the Council of Europe.
Authorities said the probe will examine whether Jagland may have received improper benefits — including gifts, travel, or loans — connected to his official roles. Jagland has not been charged with any offense.
Officials stated that there were sufficient grounds to open the inquiry due to Jagland’s senior international positions during the timeframe referenced in the newly disclosed materials.
As part of the process, Norwegian police requested the lifting of Jagland’s diplomatic immunity, which applied due to his former leadership of an international organization. Norway’s Foreign Ministry approved the request and said it would formally seek revocation of the immunity through the Council of Europe.
Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide said transparency was essential and that allowing the investigation to proceed without legal barriers was in the public interest.
Jagland’s legal representative said his client welcomed the investigation and would cooperate fully, expressing confidence that the facts would ultimately clear him.
The Norwegian Nobel Committee declined to comment on the investigation but said it supported efforts to establish a full and accurate account of the situation.
Jagland is among several prominent Norwegian figures facing renewed public scrutiny following disclosures related to Epstein’s international network. Others, including members of the royal family, have previously acknowledged misjudgment in maintaining associations with Epstein after his earlier conviction.
