• Norway's police opened an investigation into ex-PM Thorbjørn Jagland for suspected corruption related to Epstein.
• Documents indicate Jagland had extensive ties with Epstein, including visits to his home.
• The Norwegian Foreign Minister seeks to lift Jagland's immunity for the investigation.

Norwegian authorities have launched an investigation into former Prime Minister Thorbjørn Jagland over allegations of aggravated corruption linked to his connections with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The investigation was initiated by Le Monde and is being conducted by Norway's economic crime unit, Okokrim, following recent revelations from documents released by the U.S. Justice Department.

Jagland, who served as Norway’s Prime Minister from 1996 to 1997 and was the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, has had extensive contact with Epstein. Authorities found "reasonable grounds" to proceed with the investigation, focusing on whether Jagland received gifts, loans, or travel perks in relation to his high-ranking positions. Okokrim's director, Paal Loeseth, emphasized the significance of Jagland's former roles during the period in question, stating, "We consider there are reasonable grounds for investigation," according to Reuters and Al Jazeera.

The Norwegian Foreign Minister, Espen Barth Eide, has indicated that Jagland's immunity, granted due to his international roles, should not impede the investigation. Eide confirmed to the media that a proposal will be put forth to the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers to revoke that immunity, suggesting that it is crucial for the facts surrounding this case to come to light, as noted by Reuters and Le Monde.

Additionally, Jagland’s attorney, Anders Brosveet, has stated that his client welcomes the investigation and is eager to contribute to it. Brosveet expressed confidence in a favorable outcome based on initial findings. This case joins a series of scrutinized relationships involving prominent Norwegian figures and Epstein, reflecting broader concerns over elite accountability, as highlighted by Al Jazeera.