Former Norway Leader Charged with Corruption Over Epstein Links

Norwegian authorities have charged former Prime Minister Thorbjørn Jagland with corruption. The charges are about benefits he may have received from Jeffrey Epstein. Searches have been done at Jagland's homes as part of the investigation.
By Newsroom | Politics, Norway |

Norwegian authorities have charged former Prime Minister Thorbjørn Jagland with aggravated corruption following an investigation into his interactions with Jeffrey Epstein. The charges stem from alleged benefits, including potential travel and loan assistance, received in connection with Epstein's activities. Law enforcement agencies have conducted searches of Jagland's properties as part of the ongoing inquiry. Jagland has denied the accusations, and his legal team has stated he intends to cooperate with investigators.

Context of the Investigation

The investigation into Thorbjørn Jagland's conduct is linked to the release of files concerning Jeffrey Epstein, a financier convicted of sex offenses. These files have brought to light contacts between various prominent figures and Epstein.

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  • Timeline: Searches of Jagland's residences in Oslo, Risør, and Rauland took place on Thursday, February 13, 2026. The charges were announced shortly thereafter.

  • Key Individuals:

  • Thorbjørn Jagland: Former Prime Minister of Norway (1996–1997), former Foreign Minister, former President of the Storting (Parliament), and former Secretary General of the Council of Europe. He also chaired the Norwegian Nobel Committee.

  • Jeffrey Epstein: Convicted sex offender whose activities and contacts have been the subject of widespread scrutiny.

  • Økokrim: Norway's central authority for combating economic and environmental crime, leading the investigation.

  • Pål Lønseth: Director of Økokrim.

  • Allegations: Investigators are examining claims that Jagland and his family may have stayed at Epstein's properties in Paris and New York between 2011 and 2018. There are also suggestions that Jagland sought Epstein's assistance with a bank loan and potentially sought to use him to broker meetings with Russian officials.

  • Legal Proceedings: Jagland's immunity was lifted by the Council of Europe's Ministerial Committee, clearing the way for legal proceedings. He is expected to be questioned by Økokrim.

Searches were conducted at multiple properties belonging to Jagland. Investigators are reviewing correspondence and logistical information.

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  • Property Searches: Residences in Oslo, Risør, and Rauland were searched on Thursday. Boxes of evidence were observed being removed from these locations.

  • Correspondence: Emails indicate discussions about potential stays at Epstein's apartments. One email from February 2015 shows Jagland inquiring about staying at an Epstein flat in Paris, with confirmation of this arrangement following.

  • Loan Assistance: Reports suggest Jagland may have asked Epstein for help in obtaining a bank loan, although the outcome of this request is unclear.

  • Charges: Jagland has been formally charged with aggravated corruption. If convicted, he could face up to 10 years in prison.

Political and Royal Connections

The investigation has also brought scrutiny to other Norwegian figures, including members of the royal family.

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  • Crown Princess Mette-Marit: The released Epstein files revealed extensive correspondence between her and Epstein. She has since expressed regret over these communications.

  • King Harald V: The King's advanced age and occasional delegation of duties to his son, Crown Prince Haakon, are noted in the context of broader questions about royal positioning.

  • Other Figures: Børge Brende (former Foreign Minister, now head of the World Economic Forum) and Mona Juul (ambassador to Jordan) have also faced scrutiny. Juul was suspended and subsequently resigned from her post.

Jagland's Defense and Stance

Thorbjørn Jagland and his legal team have maintained his innocence and pledged cooperation.

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  • Denial of Charges: Jagland has denied all charges against him.

  • Cooperation: His lawyer has stated that Jagland wishes to cooperate fully with the investigation and is committed to its thorough examination.

  • Trip Claims: Jagland has reportedly denied ever visiting Epstein's private island, though emails suggest logistics for family travel were being coordinated by Epstein's staff.

Official Statements

Authorities have confirmed the actions taken and the nature of the investigation.

"The agency’s director, Pål Lønseth, said searches were carried out Jagland’s residence in Oslo on Thursday, as well as at two other properties. The investigation will now take its course. Jagland wants to contribute to the case being thoroughly investigated, and the next step is that he will appear for questioning at Økokrim." - Pål Lønseth, Director of Økokrim, as cited by CNN.

"Økokrim has now opened an investigation into former Prime Minister, Chairman of the Norwegian Nobel Committee and Secretary General of the Council of Europe Thorbjørn Jagland on suspicion of aggravated corruption." - Økokrim press release, as cited by Politico.

Expert Analysis

The charges against Jagland are being viewed within the broader context of the Epstein revelations and their impact on public figures.

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"We have not found records showing he visited Mr Epstein’s properties in an official capacity." - Statement attributed to Økokrim, regarding Jagland's official capacity during visits, as cited by Politico.

"Investigators are probing claims that from 2011 to 2018 Jagland and his family stayed at Epstein’s flats in Paris, New York and his Palm Beach home." - Details emerging from the investigation, as reported by News18.

Findings and Implications

The charging of Thorbjørn Jagland marks a significant development in the ongoing inquiries linked to Jeffrey Epstein's network. The investigation has extended to high-profile individuals in Norway, prompting broader questions about ethical conduct and the vetting of associations for those in public office.

  • Legal Ramifications: Jagland faces potential prison time if convicted of aggravated corruption.

  • Public Trust: The revelations have raised questions regarding the conduct of public figures and the need for transparency.

  • Future Steps: The immediate next step involves Jagland appearing for questioning by Økokrim. Further investigation is expected to continue, examining the nature and extent of any benefits received. The broader scrutiny on other Norwegian figures suggests further developments may arise.

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Sources Used:

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is Thorbjørn Jagland accused of?
He is accused of aggravated corruption. This means he may have accepted benefits from Jeffrey Epstein.
Q: What happened during the investigation?
Police searched Jagland's homes. They are looking at his contact with Epstein.
Q: Did Jagland accept the charges?
No, Jagland denies the charges. He says he will help the investigation.
Q: What could happen to Jagland if found guilty?
If found guilty, he could go to prison for up to 10 years.