USA: Epstein case, former Norwegian Prime Minister Jagland investigated for corruption

Oslo (Norway), 6 February (LaPresse/AP) – Norwegian authorities have launched an investigation into former Prime Minister Thorbjørn Jagland on suspicion of corruption, following revelations of his links to Jeffrey Epstein. The Norwegian Economic Crime Investigation Service, a joint unit of police and prosecutors, announced that it would investigate whether Jagland had received gifts, travel or loans in connection with his positions. Jagland was Norwegian Prime Minister between 1996 and 1997. He was also chairman of the Norwegian Nobel Committee and served as secretary general of the Council of Europe, the continent’s largest intergovernmental human rights body. The files revealed years of contact between the politician and Epstein. Emails contained in the files indicate that he had planned to visit Epstein’s island with his family in 2014, when he was chairman of the Nobel Committee, with an assistant to Epstein arranging the flights. Norwegian authorities are also seeking to lift Jagland’s immunity, which he enjoys thanks to his past as a diplomat. His lawyer told Norwegian broadcaster NRK that Jagland is cooperating with the investigation.