Former Norwegian Prime Minister Torbjorn Jagland has been charged with “aggravated corruption” following a police investigation into his alleged ties to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, the law firm representing him has announced.
Elden Law Firm confirmed to CNN on Thursday that Jagland “is being charged with aggravated corruption,” adding that he “denies all charges.”
Norwegian public broadcaster NRK reported on Thursday that Okokrim, Norway’s economic and environmental crime investigation agency, said it would question Mr. Jagland as part of an ongoing investigation.
The move comes as Norway’s royal family grapples with scandal on a number of fronts, with charities this week moving to reconsider severing ties with the crown princess over her past contacts with Epstein, who died in 2019.
Okokrim said last week that Jagland was being investigated for “allegations of aggravated corruption” based on information in the latest Epstein documents released by the U.S. Department of Justice.
Investigators said they were looking into “whether any gifts, travel or loans were received in connection with his position.” Jagland, who was prime minister from 1996 to 1997 and also served as foreign minister and secretary general of the Council of Europe, has denied any wrongdoing in connection with Epstein.
Earlier Thursday, Mr Jagland’s lawyer said the raids at the former prime minister’s “home and leisure facilities” were “a normal part of investigations of this type”.
“As an automatic consequence of the investigation, Jagland now officially has the status of a suspect,” his lawyer Anders Broswiedt said in a statement.
“Mr Jagland is keen to contribute to the case which is being thoroughly investigated and the next step will be to appear for questioning in Okokurim.”
CNN has reached out to Okokurim for further comment.
The newly released Epstein files also reveal extensive correspondence between Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit, who Epstein has since expressed regret for years after pleading guilty to soliciting sex from a minor.
Norway’s royal family said last week that Mette-Marit “strongly denies Mr. Epstein’s abuse and criminal behavior” and regrets “not understanding the kind of person Mr. Epstein was earlier.”
Experts say the controversy sparked a public debate in Norway about whether Mette-Marit should become queen.
It also raises uncomfortable questions about her place within the royal family, especially given the advanced age of Harald V, who at 88 is Europe’s oldest monarch.
King Harald’s health has deteriorated in recent years, and his son, Crown Prince Haakon, sometimes acts as regent.
