Council of Europe waives ex secretary general Thorbjoern Jagland’s immunity for a Norwegian police probe into corruption allegations tied to Jeffrey Epstein. Documents reveal planned family trips and funding requests during his 2009 to 2019 tenure.
Norway’s former top diplomat and ex Council of Europe chief Thorbjoern Jagland faces a police investigation into alleged corruption ties with Jeffrey Epstein, the late US sex offender. The human rights body has stripped him of diplomatic protection to allow the probe, triggered by fresh documents exposing their contacts.
Immunity waiver approved
The Council of Europe, which oversees human rights across the continent, agreed to end Jaglands diplomatic immunity at Norways request. This clears the path for white collar crime police to examine his dealings during his decade as secretary general from 2009 to 2019. The former Norwegian prime minister, foreign minister and Nobel Peace Prize committee chair now awaits questioning.
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His legal team expects the development and pledges full cooperation. Jagland views the matter gravely but maintains no criminal wrongdoing occurred.
Focus of corruption inquiry
Police seek evidence of gifts, funded travel or loans linked to his high office. A letter from investigators warned that accepting bribes would breach the public trust placed in the elected leader. No charges have been filed, but authorities aim to trace financial benefits from Epstein connections.
Newly unsealed US records detail Epstein links to European elites. For Jagland they reveal 2014 plans for a family trip to Epsteins Palm Beach estate and private Caribbean island, arranged through the financiers aides. Jagland denies setting foot on the island.
Documented exchanges revealed
Emails from that year show Jagland asking Epstein to fund an Oslo flat. In 2018 correspondence, Epstein sought introductions to Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, claiming valuable insights for President Vladimir Putin. Jagland agreed to pass the request via Lavrovs office.
Norway widened its Epstein scrutiny Monday, targeting two senior diplomats in a parallel corruption case. Crown Princess Mette Marit has publicly regretted her past association with the financier.
Broader political fallout
Parliaments oversight panel unanimously called for an outside probe into foreign ministry Epstein ties, a rare step. The moves reflect mounting pressure on Norwegian figures named in the files, which also touch politicians and wealthy socialites.
Jaglands prominent career now hangs under suspicion as police sift through transatlantic records. The Council of Europe stressed the need for clarity on whether official duties intertwined with personal gain from the convicted predator. Outcomes could reshape views of his tenure at the rights watchdog.
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