Police Search Former European Leader’s Home In Epstein Probe

Norway’s central economic and environmental crime-fighting unit, Okokrim, searched the home of former Norwegian Prime Minister Thorbjorn Jagland on Thursday as part of a corruption investigation tied to the Jeffrey Epstein files.

Multiple properties owned by Jagland, including his home in the capital of Oslo, were searched by authorities as part of the probe, France 24 reported on Thursday. Okokrim chief Pal Lonseth reportedly said the former prime minister is now suspected of “aggravated corruption.” Jagland, 75, is also the former Secretary-General of the Council of Europe and former head of the Norwegian Nobel Committee.

Lonseth stated that the agency searched two other properties in addition to the Oslo residence, in the towns of Risør and Rauland. The Council of Europelifted Jagland’s immunity on Wednesday, which allowed the searches to take place.

Okokrim announced the investigation on Feb. 5 after the release of the Epstein files. In the press release, the agency stated there were “reasonable grounds for investigation” into his family’s visits to Epstein’s island due to the positions Jagland held at the time. Okokrim said they will investigate “whether gifts, travel and loans were received in connection with his position.”