Norway Investigates Ex-PM Jagland Over Epstein Links & ‘Extraordinary Girls’ Email
- Oslo, Norway – A corruption investigation has been launched into former Norwegian Prime Minister Thorbjørn Jagland following allegations of links to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
- The probe is being led by Økokrim, Norway’s economic crime unit.
- Jagland, 75, served as Norway’s Prime Minister from 1996 to 1997.
Oslo, Norway – A corruption investigation has been launched into former Norwegian Prime Minister Thorbjørn Jagland following allegations of links to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The investigation, announced on Thursday , centers on whether Jagland received gifts, travel, or loans in connection with his prominent positions in Norwegian and international politics.
The probe is being led by Økokrim, Norway’s economic crime unit. According to a statement released by the agency, investigators have requested that the Foreign Ministry lift the diplomatic immunity currently afforded to Jagland, a necessary step to proceed with a full investigation. Pal Lønseth, head of Økokrim, stated that Notice “reasonable grounds for investigation, given that he held the positions of chair of the Nobel Committee and Secretary General of the Council of Europe during the period covered by the released documents.”
Jagland, 75, served as Norway’s Prime Minister from to . He later held the influential post of Secretary General of the Council of Europe from to , and chaired the Norwegian Nobel Committee from to . The investigation stems from newly released files pertaining to Epstein, which have prompted scrutiny of numerous high-profile individuals.
The allegations against Jagland surfaced following the publication of documents from the Epstein estate. Emails revealed that Jagland wrote to Epstein in referencing “extraordinary girls” while in Tirana, Albania. Another email, dated , detailed plans for a visit to Epstein’s private island in the Caribbean with his wife and sons, with Jagland noting, “I can’t keep it going only with young women as you know.”
Responding to the allegations, Jagland told Norwegian newspaper VG on Monday that the emails contained “embarrassing jargon” that could be misinterpreted. He maintained that he never visited Epstein’s properties without his wife present and denied ever staying on Epstein’s island. His lawyer, Anders Brosveet, has stated that Jagland welcomes the investigation and will fully cooperate with authorities, expressing confidence in the eventual outcome.
The Norwegian Foreign Minister, Espen Barth Eide, emphasized the importance of bringing the facts of the case to light. He confirmed that Oslo would formally request the Council of Europe to revoke Jagland’s immunity, a move necessary for Økokrim to proceed with its investigation without obstruction.
The Council of Europe, an international human rights organization distinct from the European Union, will now consider Norway’s request to lift Jagland’s immunity. The organization’s decision will be crucial in determining the scope and speed of the investigation.
The investigation into Jagland is part of a broader wave of scrutiny triggered by the release of the Epstein files. Authorities in multiple countries are examining potential connections between Epstein and prominent political, business, and cultural figures. The files have already led to increased pressure on individuals previously associated with Epstein, and the Norwegian investigation underscores the widening reach of the fallout.
The focus of Økokrim’s investigation will be to determine whether any benefits received by Jagland constituted corruption, and whether those benefits were linked to his official duties during his time as Prime Minister, head of the Nobel Committee, and Secretary General of the Council of Europe. The agency has not provided a timeline for the completion of the investigation.
Brosveet, Jagland’s lawyer, indicated that they would be submitting “the key findings and documentation” to Økokrim “as soon as practically possible.” He reiterated his confidence in a favorable outcome for his client, though the investigation is expected to be thorough and potentially lengthy.
The case is likely to draw significant attention both within Norway and internationally, given Jagland’s long and distinguished career in public service and the sensitive nature of the allegations. The outcome of the investigation could have far-reaching implications for Jagland’s legacy and for the reputation of the institutions he once led.