Former Norway PM Jagland Under Corruption Probe Over Epstein Ties

OSLO (Azat TV) – Norway’s former Prime Minister Thorbjorn Jagland is currently under investigation by Norwegian police on suspicion of aggravated corruption, following recent revelations detailing his extensive ties to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The probe, initiated by Okokrim, Norway’s dedicated police unit for fighting white-collar crime, has prompted the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to seek the revocation of Jagland’s diplomatic immunity, a status he holds as a former head of an international organization.

The investigation, announced on Thursday, February 5, 2026, comes in the wake of documents released last week by the United States Department of Justice, which exposed years of communications between Jagland and Epstein. These documents included emails suggesting that Jagland, who served as Norway’s prime minister from 1996 to 1997, had stayed at Epstein’s residence. Okokrim director Paal Loeseth stated that the agency has determined ‘reasonable grounds’ exist to investigate Jagland, focusing on whether he received ‘gifts, travel and loans in connection with his position.’

Former PM Jagland Under Investigation

Thorbjorn Jagland, a prominent figure in Norwegian and international politics, has held several high-profile roles beyond his premiership, including serving as the head of the Nobel Committee and secretary-general of the Council of Europe. The current investigation by Okokrim specifically targets potential aggravated corruption, a serious charge that could have significant implications for Jagland’s legacy and Norway’s reputation.

Norway’s Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide underscored the gravity of the situation, emphasizing the need to ‘bring the facts of the case to light.’ Eide confirmed his decision to propose to the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers that Jagland’s immunity be revoked, stating, ‘That means Mr Jagland’s immunity cannot stand in the way of an investigation.’ Jagland’s lawyer, Anders Brosveet, has reportedly indicated that his client welcomes the investigation and remains ‘calm’ about its potential outcome, though Brosveet did not immediately comment to reporters.

Wider Fallout and WEF Review Over Epstein Ties

The revelations concerning Jagland are part of a broader scandal that has ‘rocked’ Norway, exposing close ties between a number of the country’s prominent elites and Jeffrey Epstein, who died in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. The fallout has extended to other high-ranking individuals and institutions.

Earlier this week, Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit publicly expressed ‘regret for poor judgement’ and extended sympathy to Epstein’s victims after new files revealed her extensive contact with the disgraced financier. Separately, the World Economic Forum (WEF), the organizer of the annual Davos summit, announced its own investigation into its CEO, Borge Brende, regarding his dealings with Epstein. Brende, who served as Norway’s foreign minister from 2013 to 2017, reportedly had several business dinners with Epstein and communicated with him via email and text message.

The WEF stated that its risk committee would conduct the review to ensure transparency and integrity, a decision Brende himself reportedly requested and supports. Brende has maintained that his contact with Epstein was limited and that he was unaware of Epstein’s past crimes, stating he attended dinners with other leaders and diplomats. He also disputed comments from WEF founder Klaus Schwab, who claimed he was not informed of the contact, with Brende asserting he informed Schwab in 2019.

The Enduring Shadow of Jeffrey Epstein

The ongoing investigations in Norway and the review by the World Economic Forum highlight the far-reaching and enduring consequences of Jeffrey Epstein’s criminal activities and his network of connections. The recent release of US Department of Justice documents has reignited scrutiny on individuals worldwide who had associations with Epstein, regardless of their awareness of his illicit activities.

Authorities in various countries continue to grapple with the implications of these revelations, as public figures face intense pressure to disclose the full extent and nature of their interactions with Epstein. These probes underscore a global commitment to accountability and transparency, particularly when alleged misconduct touches upon high office and international influence.

The unfolding investigations into high-profile Norwegian figures and international leaders connected to Jeffrey Epstein demonstrate the persistent and pervasive nature of the scandal, signaling a renewed global effort to scrutinize the ethical conduct of elites and the integrity of the institutions they represent.