Charges Filed After Immunity Lifted
Former Norwegian Prime Minister Thorbjorn Jagland has been charged with “gross corruption” over alleged ties to Jeffrey Epstein, Norwegian police confirmed.
The charge comes after the Council of Europe lifted Jagland’s diplomatic immunity, which he held as the Council’s secretary general from 2009 to 2019. Norway’s financial crime unit, Okokrim, has searched three of his properties and is expected to question him as part of the investigation. Jagland’s lawyer says he denies criminal liability and is willing to cooperate fully with authorities.
Epstein’s files reveal more and more interesting facts. For example, one of Russia’s main assets in Europe was Thorbjørn Jagland, Secretary General of the Council of Europe from October 1, 2009, to September 18, 2019, and Prime Minister of Norway in 1996–1997.
For years, he… pic.twitter.com/zdlXq0Z5VC
— Denys Shtilierman (@DenShtilierman) January 31, 2026
Allegations Linked to Travel and Financial Assistance
Documents released by the US Department of Justice — often referred to as the “Epstein files” — reportedly show that Epstein covered travel expenses for Jagland and his family to properties in Paris, New York and Palm Beach. A planned 2014 family visit to Epstein’s private Caribbean island was ultimately cancelled.
There are also allegations that Jagland may have sought Epstein’s assistance in securing a bank loan, though police have not confirmed whether that claim forms part of the corruption charge. Authorities stress that simply appearing in the Epstein files does not automatically indicate wrongdoing.
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Wider Impact Across Norway
The case has sent shockwaves through Norway, where several prominent figures have been linked to the growing scandal. These include Crown Princess Mette-Marit, who publicly apologised for her past friendship with Epstein. Diplomats Mona Juul and Terje Rod-Larsen are also under investigation for alleged aggravated corruption. Meanwhile, Borge Brende, head of the World Economic Forum, faces an independent review over his interactions with Epstein. As investigations continue, Norway is confronting one of the most significant political scandals in its recent history.
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