The chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee is under investigation in connection with Epstein

The Norwegian police unit for economic crime, Oekokrim, has launched an investigation into former Prime Minister and Chairman of the Norwegian Nobel Committee Thorbjørn Jagland on suspicion of corruption with aggravating circumstances.

The investigation is related to information from newly released files from the US Department of Justice concerning the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

According to Oekokrim, the investigation is based on the period when Jagland served as chairman of the Nobel Committee and also as secretary general of the Council of Europe. The police are investigating whether he accepted gifts, travel funding, or loans in connection with the performance of these functions. Jagland has not yet been charged.

Given his previous position in an international organization, the police requested that his immunity be lifted, which the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs granted. Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide said that the aim is to clarify all the circumstances of the case and ensure complete transparency.

The former prime minister's lawyer announced that his client welcomes the launch of the investigation and will cooperate fully with the police.

The Norwegian Nobel Committee declined to comment on the matter in detail. However, it made it clear that it welcomes the clarification of all the facts.

(reuters, max)