Norway’s economic crime police open a corruption probe into former PM Thorbjoern Jagland, citing new evidence from the Jeffrey Epstein files.
OSLO: Norway’s economic crime police unit, Oekokrim, has opened an investigation into former prime minister Thorbjoern Jagland on suspicion of aggravated corruption.
The probe was launched based on information revealed by newly released files related to the late US sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Oekokrim director Paal Loeseth said the investigation was justified given Jagland’s former high-ranking positions. “We consider there are reasonable grounds for investigation, given that he held the positions of chair of the Nobel Committee and Secretary General of the Council of Europe during the period covered by the released documents,” Loeseth said in a statement.
READ MORE: Epstein files name Trump, Gates and other high-profile figures
Jagland has not been charged with any crime. The investigation will examine whether gifts, travel and loans were received in connection with his official roles.
Police have requested that Jagland’s immunity due to his former head of an international organisation status be lifted. The Norwegian Foreign Ministry has acquiesced to this request.
Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide said it was important the facts are brought to light. “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,” he said.
A lawyer for Jagland said his client welcomed the investigation and would contribute fully to it. “Based on what we have found so far, we are confident of the outcome,” Anders Brosveet said in a statement.
A spokesperson for the Norwegian Nobel Committee declined to comment but said the committee “welcome all the facts in this case”. Jagland is among several prominent Norwegians facing scrutiny over Epstein ties, including Crown Princess Mette-Marit. – Reuters
