Norwegian police launch investigation against former Prime Minister Jagland in Epstein case

(Patria) - The Norwegian National Authority for Investigation and Prosecution of Economic and Environmental Crime, Oekokrim, announced on Thursday that it has opened an investigation against former Prime Minister and Chairman of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, Thorbjoern Jagland, on suspicion of serious corruption, Reuters reported.

The decision to investigate Jagland, who is also the former Secretary General of the Council of Europe, is based on information revealed in newly published files related to the late American sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, Oekokrim said.

"We believe there are reasonable grounds for an investigation, given that he held the positions of Chairman of the Nobel Committee and Secretary General of the Council of Europe during the period covered by the published documents," said Oekokrim Director Paal Loeseth in a statement.

Jagland has not been charged with any crime, and the investigation will, among other things, examine whether gifts, trips, and loans were received in connection with his position.

Police have also requested that Jagland's immunity, which he holds due to his position as a former head of an international organization, be lifted, a request that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has accepted.

"It is important that the facts in this case are brought to light," said Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide in a statement. "Therefore, I have decided that Norway will submit a proposal to the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe to lift Jagland's immunity," he said.

Thorbjoern Jagland's lawyer said he welcomes the police investigation and that his client will fully cooperate.

"Based on what we have uncovered so far, we are confident in the outcome," lawyer Anders Brosveet said in a statement to Reuters.

A spokesperson for the Norwegian Nobel Committee declined to comment on the news but added that the committee "welcomes all facts in this case".

Jagland is one of several prominent Norwegian figures facing renewed scrutiny over their connections to Epstein. Another is Crown Princess Mette-Marit, who said she showed poor judgment in maintaining ties after Epstein was convicted.