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 Europe lifted 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.”
Several emails released by the Department of Justice (DOJ) detail communications involving Jagland and Epstein. Jagland emailed Epstein in February 2014, asking, “How can we proceed with the tickets for easter?” Epstein responded, asking for “names and passport numbers.”
An email thread from March of 2014 reveals an individual confirming to Jagland, “I will be helping you with your trip to Palm Beach and on to Jeffrey’s island.” In another email thread dated April of 2014, two participants discussed arrangements for Jagland and his family to be picked up by an individual named “Jermaine.”
Okokrim also opened an investigation against Norway’s former ambassador to Iraq, Mona Juul, and her husband, Terje Rod-Larsen on Monday “to determine whether any criminal conduct has taken place.” Lanseth stated the investigation would be “comprehensive” and “long-lasting,” according to a press release from the agency.
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