🇳🇴 Norway's former Prime Minister Thorbjørn Jagland is under intense scrutiny as the country's economic crime unit, Økokrim, launches an aggravated corruption investigation tied to newly released Jeffrey Epstein documents. The probe, announced February 6, 2026, focuses on potential undisclosed benefits during Jagland's tenure as Nobel Committee chair and Council of Europe leader.
Immunity Hurdle and International Implications
Investigators face a unique challenge: Jagland retains legal immunity for official acts through his former international organization role. Økokrim has formally requested Norway's Foreign Ministry to initiate immunity removal proceedings – a rare move signaling the investigation's gravity.
Epstein Connection Timeline
The case gained momentum after the U.S. Justice Department released 3M+ Epstein-related documents on January 30, 2026. Norwegian media reports highlight previously unknown details about Jagland's communications with Epstein, including canceled 2014 plans to visit the financier's private Caribbean island with family members.
Political Fallout in 2026
Current PM Jonas Gahr Støre acknowledged the developments raise 'serious questions,' while legal experts debate how Epstein's 2019 death might impact evidence collection. Jagland, who served as PM from 1996-1997 and held international positions through 2019, has yet to publicly comment.
