Former Norway PM Charged with 'Gross Corruption' Over Ties to Epstein

Thorbjørn Jagland, a prominent European diplomat, faces up to 10 years in prison for misusing his positions to receive gifts, travel, and loans from the disgraced financier.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Thorbjørn Jagland, a former prime minister of Norway who later led the Nobel Committee and the Council of Europe, has been charged with 'gross corruption' over his relationship with the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. Norwegian authorities allege Jagland misused his positions to receive gifts, travel, and loans from Epstein, even after the latter became a convicted sex offender. The charges come after an investigation and search of Jagland's properties, and could lead to a steep fall from grace for one of Europe's most prominent diplomatic figures.

Why it matters

The revelations have stunned Norway, a country that prides itself on the integrity of its officials. The case highlights how Epstein used his wealth and connections to cultivate relationships with powerful figures, and raises questions about the potential corruption of Norway's diplomatic elite as they sought to raise the country's global profile.

The details

According to the emails released by the U.S. Justice Department, Jagland and Epstein had a close, mutually beneficial relationship. Epstein offered Jagland use of his homes in New York, Paris, and the Caribbean, and in exchange, Jagland helped Epstein gain access to world leaders like Russian President Vladimir Putin. Jagland also stayed at Epstein's properties and allowed his family to vacation on Epstein's dime. The emails suggest Jagland was taken by Epstein, even joking about relations with younger women.

  • In September 2018, less than a year before Epstein's arrest, Jagland visited Epstein's apartments.
  • In 2013, Jagland suggested a plan for Epstein to meet with Russian President Putin to discuss digital currencies.
  • In June 2018, Epstein nudged Jagland to suggest to Lavrov, Russia's foreign minister, that he could provide insight on talking to Epstein.

The players

Thorbjørn Jagland

A former prime minister of Norway who later led the Nobel Committee and the Council of Europe. He has been charged with 'gross corruption' over his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.

Jeffrey Epstein

A disgraced American financier who was convicted of sex crimes in 2008 and later charged with sex trafficking before his death in prison in 2019.

Vladimir Putin

The President of Russia, whom Epstein and Jagland discussed meeting to discuss digital currencies.

Sergey Lavrov

Russia's foreign minister, whom Epstein suggested Jagland could introduce him to in order to provide insight on talking to Epstein.

Jonas Gahr Støre

The current prime minister of Norway, who commented on the clear rules for those in positions of trust representing the Norwegian state or international organizations.

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What they’re saying

“One is money. The other is that contacts, influence and proximity give access to wide-ranging decisions. And if you have a position of trust, whether it is on behalf of the Norwegian state or in the Council of Europe, then there are very clear rules for such things.”

— Jonas Gahr Støre, Prime Minister of Norway (NRK)

“People are tired of power and money merging behind closed doors while ordinary citizens are told to 'trust the system'.”

— Julie E. Stuestøl, Member of Norway's Parliament (Email)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Thorbjørn Jagland out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the potential for corruption when powerful figures use their positions and connections to gain access and influence. It raises serious questions about Norway's efforts to elevate its global profile and the integrity of its diplomatic corps, as well as the lasting impact of Epstein's web of influential relationships.