Norway’s economic crime police unit, Okokrim, said on Thursday it had opened an investigation into Thorbjørn Jagland, the former prime minister and chairman of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, on suspicion of mounting corruption.
Jagland is one of several prominent Norwegian figures facing renewed scrutiny over their relationship with Epstein, including Crown Princess Mette-Marit, who has said she showed poor judgment in maintaining the relationship after Epstein was convicted. (AP file photo)The decision to investigate Jugland, who is also a former secretary-general of the Council of Europe, is based on information revealed by newly released files related to the late US sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, Okokrim said.
“We consider there are reasonable grounds for an investigation, as he held the position of Chair of the Nobel Committee and Secretary General of the Council of Europe at the time he was included in the published documents,” Okochrome director Paul Losseth said in a statement.
Jagland has not been charged with any crime and the investigation will include whether gifts, travel and loans were accepted in connection with his position, among other things.
The police also said Jagland’s immunity would be waived due to his position as the former head of an international organization, a request accepted by the Ministry of External Affairs.
“It is important to reveal the truth about this case,” Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Ide said in a statement.
“I have therefore decided that Norway will submit a proposal to the Council of Europe’s Council of Ministers that Jagland’s immunity be revoked,” he said.
A lawyer for Thorbjoern Jagland said he welcomed the police to open an investigation and that his client would cooperate fully.
“Based on what we have received so far, we are confident in the results,” Anders Brosvit said in a statement to Reuters.
A spokesman for the Norwegian Nobel Committee declined to comment on the news, but added that the committee “welcomes all information in this matter”.
Jogland is one of several Norwegian dignitaries facing renewed scrutiny over their relationship with Epstein. Another is Crown Princess Mette-Merritt, who says she showed poor judgment in maintaining a relationship with Epstein after he was convicted.
