Norwegian ExPM Thorbjørn Jagland Investigated Amid Epstein Corruption Probe

Police in Norway conducted searches at the properties of former Prime Minister Thorbjørn Jagland following the lifting of his immunity, amid an ongoing corruption probe linked to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein, whose legacy continues to cast a long shadow over political figures in Europe. Jagland’s legal troubles emerged after the U.S. Justice Department released documents indicating that he and his family had connections with Epstein from 2011 to 2018, during a period when he was in significant roles as the chair of the Nobel Committee and secretary-general of the Council of Europe. The specialized economic crimes unit, Okokrim, is leading the investigations and was reported to be searching both Jagland's residence and recreational properties on Thursday, as confirmed by his lawyer Anders Brosveet. On the previous day, the Council of Europe agreed to a request from Norwegian authorities to waive Jagland's legal immunity, which is typically reserved to protect the independent execution of official duties, not for personal advantages. Jagland has been a controversial figure throughout his career, facing accusations of being overly compliant with Vladimir Putin and the Kremlin during his tenure at the Council of Europe. Following Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014, there were attempts to impose voting sanctions on the country, yet Jagland pushed for the restoration of Russia’s voting rights in 2019. Ultimately, the situation shifted dramatically when Russia was expelled following its invasion of Ukraine in 2022, with many criticizing Jagland for being susceptible to Russian pressures. The newly released documents regarding Epstein also revealed further ties to other notable figures in Norway. For instance, Crown Princess Mette-Marit was mentioned as having borrowed a property owned by Epstein in Palm Beach in 2013. Some of the exchanges between her and Epstein raised eyebrows, leading her to issue an apology over the implications for the royal family. She mentioned in her apology that the messages between her and Epstein did not reflect the person she aspires to be. Moreover, former Norwegian ambassador to Jordan, Mona Juul, resigned after it was reported that Epstein had left a substantial inheritance to her children shortly before his death. The ongoing investigation by the Foreign Ministry is looking into her past interactions with Epstein. This latest development caps a series of shocking revelations following a significant release of documents by the U.S. Justice Department. Over three million pages of files, including videos and images, shedding light on Epstein's vast network and the various high-profile individuals involved, have been disclosed under the Epstein Files Transparency Act. The Freedom of Information request was a response to sustained public and political demands for transparency regarding Epstein and his extensive connections, particularly after his 2008 conviction for sexual offenses against minors. While being mentioned in these documents does not directly imply wrongdoing, the revelations have led to increased scrutiny of numerous officials and celebrities who maintained close ties to Epstein long after his convictions. The political landscape in Europe is shaken, with several high-profile scandals emerging as a result. As the investigations continue to unfold, the repercussions for Jagland and others reflect a significant turning point in addressing legacy issues tied to Epstein's dubious connections and the fallout from his actions. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2