Norway launches corruption probe into former PM Jagland over Epstein links

OSLO, Norway — Norwegian authorities have opened a corruption investigation into former Prime Minister Thorbjorn Jagland following revelations about his past ties to disgraced financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Okokrim, Norway’s national authority for investigating and prosecuting economic and environmental crime, announced Thursday that it has found “reasonable grounds” to examine whether Jagland engaged in aggravated corruption. The probe follows documents released last week by the United States Department of Justice detailing years of communication between Jagland and Epstein, including emails suggesting the former Norwegian leader stayed at Epstein’s residence.

“Among other things, Okokrim will investigate whether gifts, travel and loans were received in connection with his position,” Okokrim director Paal Loeseth said in a statement.

Jagland served as Norway’s prime minister from 1996 to 1997 and later held prominent international roles, including secretary-general of the Council of Europe and chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee. Because of his former international position, he retains a level of diplomatic immunity.

Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide said Norway would move to lift that protection.

“That means Mr Jagland’s immunity cannot stand in the way of an investigation. I have therefore decided that Norway will put forward a proposal to the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers that Jagland’s immunity be revoked,” Eide said, adding that the facts of the case must be “brought to light.”

Jagland’s lawyer, Anders Brosveet, did not immediately respond to requests for comment, though local media reported that he said his client welcomed the investigation and was “calm” about its outcome.

The investigation comes amid broader scrutiny in Norway over connections between prominent figures and Epstein, who died in 2019 while awaiting trial in the United States on sex trafficking charges.

Earlier this week, Crown Princess Mette-Marit expressed regret for what she described as “poor judgment” and extended sympathy to Epstein’s victims after newly released files revealed extensive contact between her and Epstein.

Separately, the World Economic Forum (WEF) announced Thursday that it has launched an internal review into the dealings of its President and CEO, Borge Brende, with Epstein.

The Geneva-based organization said its risk committee would examine the nature of Brende’s interactions following disclosures that he attended several business dinners with Epstein and exchanged emails and text messages with him. Brende served as Norway’s foreign minister from 2013 to 2017 before joining the WEF.

“This decision underscores the Forum’s commitment to transparency and maintaining its integrity. Our aim is to handle this matter thoughtfully and efficiently,” the WEF said in a statement.

The organization added that Brende “fully supports, and cooperates with, this review, having indeed requested it himself,” and will continue his duties without involvement in the review process.

In remarks to Al Jazeera, Brende said his contact with Epstein was limited and that he was unaware of the financier’s criminal history at the time.

“In 2018, during a visit to New York, I received an invitation … to join him for dinner with someone who was presented to me as an American investor, Jeffrey Epstein,” Brende said, referring to an invitation extended by former Norwegian deputy prime minister and UN envoy Terje Rod-Larsen.

“The following year, I attended two similar dinners with Epstein, alongside other diplomats and business leaders. These dinners, and a few mails and SMS messages, were the extent of my interactions with him,” he added.

Brende said he regretted not conducting further background checks.

“I remain committed to learning from this experience and welcome the upcoming independent review, which I indeed requested,” he said.

He also disputed remarks by WEF founder Klaus Schwab, who reportedly told Swiss newspaper Blick that he had not been informed of Brende’s contact with Epstein.

“I confirm that I informed Klaus Schwab in 2019 about these circumstances. I have no idea why he is claiming otherwise now,” Brende said.

As investigations and reviews proceed, Norwegian authorities and international institutions face renewed scrutiny over accountability, transparency, and the extent of ties between global elites and the late financier.