Noorse ex-premier onder vuur door Epstein-verband
Oslo, vrijdag, 6 februari 2026.
De Noorse economische misdaadpolitie Oekokrim onderzoekt oud-premier Thorbjørn Jagland wegens verdenking van verregaande corruptie. Het gaat om mogelijk ongeoorloofde gunsten via banden met Jeffrey Epstein. Jagland sprak regelmatig met Epstein, bleef bij hem in New York en Parijs. Er zijn gesprekken over geldschieters en reizen. Als voorzitter van het Nobelprijscomité en secretaris-generaal van de Raad van Europa had hij invloed. Dat maakt de verdenkingen ernstiger. De regering wil zijn immuniteit intrekken. Zijn advocaat noemt de klachten ongegrond. Het schandaal raakt de top van Noorwegen.
investigation launched amid serious allegations
Norway’s economic crime unit, Økokrim, has opened an investigation into former prime minister Thorbjørn Jagland over suspicions of aggravated corruption tied to Jeffrey Epstein [1]. The probe focuses on potential improper benefits such as gifts, travel, and loans received during Jagland’s tenure as secretary general of the Council of Europe and chairman of the Norwegian Nobel Committee [2]. Authorities cite sufficient grounds for inquiry based on documents released under the Epstein Files Transparency Act [3]. Økokrim has formally requested the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to lift Jagland’s legal immunity stemming from his international roles [2].
high-level diplomatic and institutional responses
Norwegian foreign minister Espen Barth Eide confirmed plans to propose the revocation of Jagland’s immunity to allow full judicial examination [1]. Eide emphasized the importance of uncovering facts without obstruction [2]. The Norwegian Nobel Institute stated that if substantial financial support was received from Epstein, it would violate ethical codes governing committee members [3]. Director Kristian Berg Harpviken stressed compliance with strict conduct rules, particularly concerning external funding and conflicts of interest [3]. The institute awaits clarification directly from Jagland regarding the nature and extent of his contacts [4].
documented connections and controversial correspondence
Media reports, citing U.S. Justice Department releases, indicate repeated private meetings between Jagland and Epstein in New York and Paris [4]. Records show stays at Epstein’s residences in 2015 and 2018, though no official business logs document these encounters [4]. Correspondence includes Jagland requesting financial assistance for property purchases [4]. He also sent messages referencing ‘extraordinary girls’ in Tirana and lamenting difficulties sustaining relationships limited to younger women, statements now scrutinized for contextual meaning [4]. While some trips were reportedly canceled, including a planned family visit to Epstein’s private island in 2014, communication persisted until shortly before Epstein’s death [2].
political fallout and broader implications
The case has triggered wider concern about elite networks and accountability in Norway [4]. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store described the disclosures as a ‘strong warning’ for individuals in powerful positions [4]. The opposition Progressive Party has demanded an independent commission to examine systemic vulnerabilities, setting a February 13 deadline for government action [3]. Another senior figure, former foreign minister Børge Brende—now CEO of the World Economic Forum—is undergoing internal review over documented dinners and messages with Epstein [4]. Diplomat Mona Juul was suspended pending evaluation of her own associations [4].
legal immunities and path forward
Jagland retains partial legal protection due to his prior role as secretary general of the Council of Europe, which grants functional immunity for official acts [2]. However, Økokrom asserts this should not block investigation into private conduct potentially violating national anti-corruption laws [1]. Legal experts note immunity applies narrowly and does not cover personal misconduct unrelated to office duties [alert! ‘interpretation subject to legal determination’] [2]. Jagland’s attorney, Anders Brosveet, maintains confidence in the outcome, dismissing allegations as unfounded [1]. No formal charges have been filed; the investigation remains active as authorities analyze evidence from the Epstein files [1].