Former Norwegian Prime Minister Thorbjørn Jagland has been charged with gross corruption over his ties with the U.S. sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, police have revealed.
The charge was brought after the Council of Europe lifted Jagland's immunity, which he enjoyed due to his past diplomatic role. He denies criminal liability and is willing to cooperate, according to his lawyer.
Emails released by the U.S. government reportedly show that Jagland planned visits to Epstein's residences in Paris, New York, and Palm Beach even after Epstein had been convicted of a child sex offense.
Three of Jagland's properties were searched by Norway's crime unit, Økokrim, and he is expected to be questioned soon.
Jagland served as Prime Minister from 1996 to 1997, was the head of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, and spent a decade as the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, where he had diplomatic immunity for activities carried out while in office from 2009 to 2019.
Økokrim had previously requested the Council revoke his immunity, following an investigation into allegations of gross corruption during 2011 to 2018.
The now-released Epstein files indicate instances where the late financier covered travel expenses for Jagland and his family. A planned family trip to Epstein's private Caribbean island was cancelled after Epstein's health declined.
Jagland also faces allegations of soliciting Epstein's assistance in obtaining a bank loan, although it is uncertain if this occurred. Furthermore, mention in the Epstein files does not necessarily indicate wrongdoing.
Jagland was seen departing his home in Oslo alongside his lawyer following the police search, which included properties in Risør and Rauland.
The ongoing scandal has also implicated several public figures in Norway, including Crown Princess Mette-Marit, who apologized to the Norwegian public regarding her past communications with Epstein.
Investigation has extended to diplomats Mona Juul and Terje Rød-Larsen for potential aggravated corruption involving unexplained financial gifts from Epstein, while the World Economic Forum has ordered a review of Borge Brende for his interactions with Epstein.
