Norway’s Former PM Jagland Charged with Gross Corruption Over Epstein Ties

Oslo – Former Norwegian Prime Minister Thorbjørn Jagland has been formally charged with “gross corruption” related to his connections with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The charges come after the Council of Europe lifted Jagland’s diplomatic immunity, paving the way for Norwegian authorities to pursue the investigation.

Investigation Details

The investigation, led by Norway’s crime unit Økokrim, centers on allegations of bribery between 2011 and 2018. Specifically, authorities are examining two holiday trips Jagland and his family took to Epstein’s villa in Palm Beach, Florida, as well as hotel stays in the area. The alleged bribes consist of holiday stays, hotel stays, travel expenses, overnight stays in Epstein’s apartment, and other benefits.

Timeline of Events

• 2014 Trip: Epstein’s assistant booked plane tickets and hotel accommodations for Jagland’s family. Jagland reportedly discussed payment with Epstein and received a travelogue with the booking details, responding with a “thank you.” The trip was ultimately taken by Jagland’s family, but not by Jagland himself, who cited Russia’s annexation of Crimea and his duties as Secretary General of the Council of Europe as the reason for his absence.
• 2017 Trip: Jagland personally booked and paid for the plane tickets for this trip with his family, using a Norwegian travel agency and a credit card. The tickets cost over NOK 20,000.

Allegations and Defense

Prosecutors allege that Epstein provided benefits to Jagland in connection with his positions as Secretary General of the Council of Europe and as a member of the Norwegian Nobel Committee. Jagland’s defense attorney, Anders Brosveet, maintains that there is no evidence to suggest Epstein sought to influence Jagland’s roles or had any motive to do so. Brosveet argues that accepting hospitality does not automatically constitute bribery and that the prosecution must demonstrate a direct link between the benefits received and Jagland’s official duties – a requirement known as the “connection requirement.”

Statute of Limitations

The statute of limitations for corruption offenses in Norway is 10 years. This means the 2014 trip is potentially subject to dismissal unless prosecutors can prove it is part of a series of connected offenses. The concept of “connected offenses” allows for prosecution of incidents that fall outside the standard limitation period if they are demonstrably part of a larger, ongoing criminal scheme.

Epstein’s Offer of Assistance

Emails released as part of the “Epstein files” reveal that Epstein offered to assist a corrupt African politician and contacted Jagland in the summer of 2015 seeking his help with the matter. In 2012, Epstein paid a medical bill of $200 for Jagland.

First State Attorney Marianne Bender declined to comment on specific findings of the investigation, citing the ongoing nature of the case.