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Former Norwegian Prime Minister Charged. Investigators Search His Properties
Thorbjørn Jagland served as Prime Minister from 1996 to 1997. From 2009 to 2019, he was Secretary General of the Council of Europe. Fot. State Chancellery of Latvia , CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The Norwegian National Authority for Investigation and Prosecution of Economic and Environmental Crime (Økokrim) has charged former Prime Minister Thorbjørn Jagland. Investigators have searched his properties in Oslo, Risør, and Rauland. The case concerns suspicions of serious corruption following revelations related to Jeffrey Epstein.
The searches took place on February 12. Jagland is suspected of committing serious corruption. The case was first reported by NRK. Økokrim chief Pål K. Lønseth told TV 2 that Jagland was also questioned that day.
Unprecedented Decision by Investigators
Iver B. Neumann from the Fridtjof Nansen Institute described the case as exceptionally surprising. He pointed out that the former Norwegian Prime Minister is under investigation for serious corruption. He recalled that the Council of Europe had previously lifted Jagland's immunity. Jagland served as Secretary General of the institution from 2009 to 2019.
Neumann emphasized that the case could undermine trust in the political class. According to him, the symbolic dimension of the investigation is significant. He added that although the case concerns a 75-year-old politician, its effects go beyond the individual. It may make it harder for other politicians to rebuild public trust.
Kim Arne Hammerstad called the charges a historic event. He noted that there are few similar cases in Norwegian political history. He referred to the situation in 1945 and Jens Hundseid as the last prime minister to face charges, but emphasized that the circumstances were different then.
Hammerstad also referred to previous political scandals, mentioning the case of Erna Solberg and her husband Sindre Finnes. He noted that the current case is of a different magnitude. In his opinion, it may affect the perception of Norway's foreign service.
Neumann emphasized that the case could undermine trust in the political class. According to him, the symbolic dimension of the investigation is significant. He added that although the case concerns a 75-year-old politician, its effects go beyond the individual. It may make it harder for other politicians to rebuild public trust.
Kim Arne Hammerstad called the charges a historic event. He noted that there are few similar cases in Norwegian political history. He referred to the situation in 1945 and Jens Hundseid as the last prime minister to face charges, but emphasized that the circumstances were different then.
Hammerstad also referred to previous political scandals, mentioning the case of Erna Solberg and her husband Sindre Finnes. He noted that the current case is of a different magnitude. In his opinion, it may affect the perception of Norway's foreign service.
The case is related to the publication of the so-called Epstein files, which revealed a network of connections between the worlds of business and politics worldwide.Source: Photo by Navin75, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons/Department of Justice, U.S. Virgin Islands
Searches and Next Steps
TV 2 political commentator Aslak Eriksrud stated that the police's decision is not surprising. He pointed out that filing charges is necessary to conduct a search. According to him, the case has become more serious than before. He added that investigators want to independently verify the information provided by Jagland and his lawyer.
Kjetil Kolsrud, editor-in-chief of the legal portal Rett24, emphasized that the status of suspect grants certain procedural rights, including access to information about the suspicions. At the same time, a search requires a court decision, which is tied to the formal filing of charges.
Økokrim conducted operations at Jagland's apartment in Oslo around 11 a.m. His property in Risør was searched next, followed by a summer house in Rauland, Vinje municipality. Investigators are reportedly looking for documents that could confirm or rule out the commission of a crime.
Kjetil Kolsrud, editor-in-chief of the legal portal Rett24, emphasized that the status of suspect grants certain procedural rights, including access to information about the suspicions. At the same time, a search requires a court decision, which is tied to the formal filing of charges.
Økokrim conducted operations at Jagland's apartment in Oslo around 11 a.m. His property in Risør was searched next, followed by a summer house in Rauland, Vinje municipality. Investigators are reportedly looking for documents that could confirm or rule out the commission of a crime.
Jagland stated that he welcomes the opportunity to clarify the matter. He denies ever being on Epstein's island. Earlier, TV 2 reported that in 2017 he and his family spent a vacation at Epstein's house in Palm Beach, Florida. Released documents also indicate that a trip to Epstein's island was planned but ultimately canceled. The questioning by investigators is expected to bring further information to the case.
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