Police in Norway have opened a corruption investigation into the country's former Prime Minister Thorbjørn Jagland over his alleged links to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
A special Norwegian police unit, analyzing newly released Epstein files in the US, has stated that the 75-year-old is suspected of 'aggravated corruption'.
The police have already requested the country's foreign ministry to lift Jagland's immunity, which he enjoys due to his past role as a senior foreign diplomat.
Jagland has previously served as head of the Norwegian Nobel Committee and spent ten years as Secretary General of the Council of Europe.
His lawyer has expressed that they would fully cooperate with the investigation.
Pål K. Lønseth, head of Økokrim - the economic crime unit investigating Jagland - stated, '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.'
He further noted that Økokrim will explore whether Jagland received gifts, loans, and travel benefits related to his previous positions.
The police indicated that additional details will be released 'at a later stage'.
Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide remarked on the importance of uncovering the facts of this case.
Moreover, Eide mentioned that Oslo would formally request the Council of Europe to revoke Jagland's immunity.
Jagland's lawyer Anders Brosveet welcomed the investigation's initiation, expressing confidence in a favorable outcome based on their findings.
Jagland served as Norway's prime minister from 1996 to 1997 and was Secretary General of the Council of Europe from 2009 to 2019. He also chaired the Norwegian Nobel Committee from 2009 to 2015.
