Former Norwegian prime minister Thorbjørn Jagland has become the focus of an ongoing criminal investigation over alleged links to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, but there is no confirmed report that he has been arrested, according to official statements and media coverage.
Norwegian police’s specialized economic crimes unit Økokrim searched Jagland’s residences this week as part of a probe into whether he received improper benefits, travel or gifts during his time in public roles, based on documents included in the newly released Epstein files.
Those searches came after the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers lifted his diplomatic immunity, clearing the way for investigators to act.
Police and Jagland’s lawyer confirmed that the former prime minister who also served as chairman of the Nobel Committee and secretary-general of the Council of Europe is now formally suspected of “aggravated corruption” in connection with alleged ties to Epstein. Jagland has denied any wrongdoing and said he will cooperate with the investigation.
In Norway’s legal system, being named a suspect and having property searched does not immediately mean arrest or formal charging; many steps remain before charges would be filed. Prosecutors intend to question Jagland as part of the investigation, but there are no official reports of an arrest at this time.
The broader probe in Norway has also touched other political figures and diplomats whose names appeared in the Epstein files released by the U.S. Department of Justice, prompting significant scrutiny at home.
