– Økokrim is now conducting a search of Thorbjørn Jagland‘s home and leisure properties. This was expected, and is an ordinary part of an investigation of this type, says lawyer Anders Brosveet of Elden Advokatfirma to VG.
– As an automatic consequence of the search, Jagland now has formal status as the accused.
– This does not imply any real change in the nature of the case, but is a legal consequence of the police’s use of methods, says Brosveet.
He adds that Jagland wants to contribute to ensuring that the matter is thoroughly explained.
– And the next step is that he will appear for questioning at Økokrim – as he himself has expressed that he wants. We relate to the process and will continue to cooperate fully with the authorities, continues Brosveet.
Read also: Information to VG: Økokrim has searched shipowner Morits Skaugen
Ecocrime: – Charged with gross corruption
In a statement, Økokrim chief Pål K. Lønseth states that Jagland has been charged with gross corruption. He confirms that Økokrim has searched several properties connected to Jagland.
– The searches are linked to the ongoing investigation of Jagland, which Økokrim could continue after the Council of Europe lifted his immunity yesterday. As a consequence of the search, Jagland is now charged with gross corruption, says Lønseth.
– Jagland is being questioned by Økokrim today, he says TV 2 at 2pm on Thursday.
Ecocrime chief
VG observed six people enter the Oslo apartment of the former prime minister on Thursday. Just before 12.20, Jagland left the home.
– I only have one thing to say, and that is that I am very happy that the matter is being brought to light. Nothing more to say, says Jagland to the press on the way out of the apartment.
They had seizure boxes with them, and several got out of a car registered at Økokrim.
-
Photo: Helge Mikalsen / VG -
Photo: Helge Mikalsen / VG
In addition, Økokrim is in place in Hanne Grotjord’s, Jagland’s spouse, home in Risør, according to Agderposten. The newspaper writes that Økokrim arrived at the home just before 12.00 on Thursday.
The cairn reports that Økokrim is also campaigning against Jagland’s cabin in Rauland. A station wagon registered to Økokrim is parked outside. People have been observed inside the cabin, the newspaper writes.
It happens after the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers revoked Jagland’s immunity on Wednesday. According to VG’s information, it is the first time that the Council of Europe has lifted the immunity of a former top executive.
Suspected of receiving benefits
Through his lawyer, Jagland has denied that he has done anything that could be punishable during his ten years in the Council of Europe.
– We have been informed of the decision from the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers in which Thorbjørn Jagland’s immunity has been lifted. That means we can continue the investigation we have started. It is important that we have the opportunity to investigate the suspicions that have arisen. We have no comments on what the further investigation entails, Økokrim chief Lønseth told VG on Wednesday morning.
Økokrim has reported to the Council of Europe that they are investigating whether gifts, travel expenses, private holidays and loans mentioned in the Epstein files may constitute bribes that Jagland received from Jeffrey Epstein in connection with his position as secretary general.
Jagland is also said to have asked Epstein for help in obtaining a bank loan, but it is unclear whether this actually happened.
Jagland’s lawyer: – Confident of the outcome
Jagland has previously stated through his defender that he thinks it is positive that the case should be investigated, and that they are confident of the outcome.
He himself has not wanted to comment on the specific revelations.
On Monday, it became known that the top diplomat couple Mona Juul and Terje Rød-Larsen are charged with gross corruption.
date:2026-02-12 13:24:00