Former Norwegian Prime Minister Charged with Corruption Linked to Jeffrey Epstein

Former Norwegian Prime Minister Thorbjørn Jagland has been formally charged with gross corruption due to his associations with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, according to police reports. The charges followed the Council of Europe’s decision to lift Jagland's diplomatic immunity, a privilege he held due to his previous roles in public service. Jagland has denied any criminal wrongdoing and has expressed his willingness to cooperate with the authorities. Investigations were triggered by newly released emails from the U.S. government, suggesting that Jagland had organized both personal and family visits to Epstein's residences in Paris, New York, and Palm Beach after Epstein's previous conviction for child sexual offenses. Following these revelations, three of Jagland’s properties were searched by the Norwegian crime unit Økokrim, and he is expected to face questioning regarding these allegations. Jagland served as Prime Minister of Norway from 1996 to 1997 and held significant positions as the head of the Norwegian Nobel Committee and as Secretary General of the Council of Europe for ten years. The title of Secretary General had previously granted him immunity for actions taken during his tenure from 2009 to 2019. Økokrim's request for the Council to revoke that immunity came earlier this month as part of their ongoing investigation into allegations of gross corruption occurring between 2011 and 2018. The so-called Epstein files, released by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), detail multiple instances where Epstein allegedly covered travel expenses for Jagland and his family to his exotic properties. Although plans were made for a vacation to Epstein's private island in the Caribbean in 2014, it was canceled due to Epstein falling ill. Additionally, Jagland stands accused of seeking Epstein's assistance to secure a bank loan, although details of this transaction remain unclear. In light of the U.S. DOJ's significant release of documents related to Epstein and his ties to various public figures globally, Norway has witnessed several of its prominent personalities entangled in the controversy. This includes Crown Princess Mette-Marit, who faced scrutiny for her three-year friendship with Epstein and later issued a public apology to the Norwegian people. Reports have also implicated diplomats Mona Juul and Terje Rød-Larsen in an ongoing investigation by Økokrim for aggravated corruption, following startling revelations about alleged inheritances signed by Epstein shortly before his death. Juul's legal representation has stated she does not recognize the allegations, while Rød-Larsen's counsel expressed confidence that the investigation will ultimately exonerate him. Moreover, Borge Brende, the chief executive of the World Economic Forum and former Norwegian foreign minister, is also under review for his previous interactions with Epstein. Brende confirmed that he had dined with Epstein on three occasions in 2018 and 2019 and communicated with him via emails, insisting he was entirely unaware of Epstein's history of criminal activities. This developing story reflects the extensive reach of the scandal that has brought forth significant public and media interest, as various high-profile figures face increasing scrutiny following the disclosures involving Epstein's illicit dealings and relationships. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2