Ex-Norway PM Accused Of Accepting Epstein-Funded Benefits, Charged With Gross Corruption

Last Updated:February 13, 2026, 16:21 IST

Investigators are probing claims that from 2011 to 2018 Jagland and his family stayed at Epstein’s flats in Paris, New York and his Palm Beach home.

Thorbjørn Jagland, Norway’s former prime minister, has been charged with “aggravated corruption" over alleged benefits received from the late US financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The charge follows an investigation by Norway’s financial crime unit, Økokrim, which said it is examining whether Jagland accepted gifts, travel and possible financial assistance linked to his public office.

Jagland, 75, served as prime minister from 1996 to 1997 and later as secretary general of the Council of Europe from 2009 to 2019. During part of that time, he also chaired the Norwegian Nobel Committee.

According to Økokrim, investigators are looking into repeated instances between 2011 and 2018 when Jagland and members of his family allegedly stayed at Epstein’s apartments in Paris and New York, as well as his property in Palm Beach, Florida.

In a letter requesting that Jagland’s diplomatic immunity be lifted, police said they are investigating whether the benefits could amount to “passive bribery".

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“For at least one of these private vacations, travel expenses for six adults appear to have been covered by Mr. Epstein," the letter stated. In another case, Epstein reportedly offered to pay for a Caribbean trip, which was later cancelled.

Økokrim also said Jagland appears to have sought Epstein’s help in obtaining a bank loan, though it is unclear whether this materialised. “Mr Jagland further appears to have solicited Mr Epstein’s assistance in relation to obtaining a bank loan, but it is unclear whether this actually materialised," it stated

On Thursday, police have searched three of Jagland’s properties and he is expected to be questioned. His lawyer said the searches were standard procedure and that Jagland wishes to cooperate fully.

“Jagland wishes to contribute to ensuring that the case is thoroughly clarified, and the next step is that he will appear for questioning by Okokrim — as he himself has stated he wants," his lawyer, Anders Brosveet, said in a statement.

Jagland has denied wrongdoing. He previously said his contact with Epstein was part of normal diplomatic activity but recently admitted he had shown “poor judgement".

(With inputs from agencies)

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