Former Norway leader charged with aggravated corruption over alleged Epstein links

Norway’s former prime minister, Thorbjørn Jagland, has been charged with aggravated corruption following a police investigation into his alleged ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, according to his legal representatives.

Elden Law Firm confirmed that Jagland has been formally charged but said he denies all allegations.

Norway’s authority for investigating economic and environmental crime, Økokrim, said it will question Jagland as part of its ongoing probe. The agency’s director, Pål Lønseth, confirmed that searches were conducted at Jagland’s residence in Oslo and at two additional properties. He declined to comment on whether any materials were seized, stating that the investigation is continuing.

The development follows the release of new documents by the US Justice Department related to Epstein. Last week, Økokrim said Jagland was under investigation on suspicion of aggravated corruption, citing information contained in the newly disclosed files. Investigators are examining whether gifts, travel or loans were received in connection with his former positions in public office.

Jagland served as Norway’s prime minister from 1996 to 1997 and later held roles as foreign minister and secretary-general of the Council of Europe. He has consistently denied wrongdoing in relation to Epstein.

His lawyer, Anders Brosveet, described the searches of Jagland’s home and leisure properties as a routine step in cases of this nature. “As an automatic consequence of the search, Jagland now has formal status as a suspect,” he said, adding that his client intends to cooperate fully with investigators and will appear for questioning at Økokrim.

The controversy has also placed renewed scrutiny on Norway’s royal household. Recently released documents revealed past correspondence between Crown Princess Mette-Marit and Epstein, prompting public debate. The royal house has said the crown princess regrets the contact and “strongly disavows” Epstein’s crimes.

The situation comes at a sensitive time for the monarchy, as 88-year-old Harald V, Europe’s oldest reigning monarch, has faced health challenges in recent years, with Crown Prince Haakon occasionally serving as regent.