STAVANGER, Norway — Newly released files related to convicted sex offender and financier Jeffrey Epstein reveal that he repeatedly highlighted his ties to former Norwegian Nobel Committee chair Thorbjørn Jagland in communications with prominent global figures, including business leaders and political advisers, as part of efforts to expand and sustain his influential network.
The documents, made public last month by the U.S. Justice Department, reference Jagland hundreds of times and suggest that Epstein often used the prestige associated with the Nobel Peace Prize when inviting or communicating with high-profile individuals. While no evidence has emerged of direct lobbying tied to the prize, the files show Epstein frequently mentioning that Jagland stayed at his properties in New York and Paris during the 2010s.
Norwegian authorities have since charged Jagland, 75, with “aggravated corruption,” according to Norway’s economic crime unit Økokrim. Investigators are examining whether gifts, travel arrangements, or loans were connected to his official position. Police searched Jagland’s residence in Oslo as well as properties in Risør and Rauland as part of the ongoing inquiry. His lawyers from Elden law firm said he denies the allegations and was questioned by investigators on Thursday.
Messages within the files show Epstein referencing Jagland in conversations with influential figures. In a 2018 text exchange with political strategist Steve Bannon, a former adviser to U.S. President Donald Trump, Epstein alluded to Trump’s interest in the Nobel Peace Prize, writing that Trump would be surprised to learn Bannon was “buds” with a person involved in deciding the award. Epstein added that he had suggested Bannon should receive the prize “when we settle China,” without further explanation.
Emails from earlier years reveal similar attempts to draw attention to Jagland’s presence. In a 2013 message to British entrepreneur Richard Branson, Epstein mentioned Jagland’s planned stay and suggested Branson might find him interesting. In 2015, Epstein invited former White House counsel Kathy Ruemmler to meet the Nobel official during a visit. In a 2012 exchange with former U.S. Treasury Secretary Larry Summers, Epstein described Jagland as offering a “unique perspective,” despite privately characterizing him as “not bright.”
Correspondence with Bill Gates in 2014 also referenced Jagland’s role, with Gates commenting on his continued leadership positions, including chairing the Council of Europe while his role with the Nobel committee remained uncertain.
During Jagland’s tenure as committee chair from 2009 to 2015, the Norwegian Nobel Committee awarded the Nobel Peace Prize to Barack Obama in 2009 and to the European Union in 2012.
Documents indicate Jagland was introduced to Epstein through Norwegian diplomat Terje Rød Larsen, known for helping broker the Oslo Peace Accords between Israel and Palestinian negotiators. Larsen and his wife are also facing corruption charges in Norway linked to their association with Epstein.
The investigations in Norway continue as authorities seek to determine whether relationships detailed in the files crossed ethical or legal boundaries. Lawyers for those charged have denied wrongdoing, and no direct connection has yet been established between Epstein’s communications and Nobel Peace Prize decisions.
As scrutiny intensifies, the case shows how association with globally respected institutions may have helped Epstein gain access to influential circles long after concerns about his conduct had surfaced.
Edgardo Hernal started college at UP Diliman and received his BA in Economics from San Sebastian College, Manila, and Masters in Information Systems Management from Keller Graduate School of Management of DeVry University in Oak Brook, IL. He has 25 years of copy editing and management experience at Thomson West, a subsidiary of Thomson Reuters.
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