Economy|CrimeNorway police investigate former PM Jagland over Epstein tiesWorld Economic Forum says it is reviewing the dealings of its CEO, Borge Brende, with the late sex offender.
Authorities in Norway are conducting an investigation into former Prime Minister Thorbjorn Jagland following disclosures of his connections with Jeffrey Epstein. The investigation is being handled by Okokrim, Norway’s agency dedicated to combating…
Authorities in Norway are conducting an investigation into former Prime Minister Thorbjorn Jagland following disclosures of his connections with Jeffrey Epstein. The investigation is being handled by Okokrim, Norway’s agency dedicated to combating white-collar crime, which has identified reasonable grounds to probe Jagland for aggravated corruption.
Documents released by the United States Department of Justice revealed extensive communications between Jagland and Epstein, including indications of Jagland's stays at Epstein's residence. Okokrim has requested the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to revoke Jagland's immunity due to his previous roles as head of the Nobel Committee and secretary-general of the Council of Europe.
The investigation will examine whether gifts, travel, and loans were received during Jagland's tenure. Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide has emphasized that Jagland's immunity should not obstruct the investigation and has proposed revoking it to the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers.
Jagland’s legal representative has not provided immediate comments. However, local reports suggest that Jagland is receptive to the investigation and maintains a composed outlook regarding its outcome.
The investigation will examine whether gifts, travel, and loans were received during Jagland's tenure.
Norway is experiencing scrutiny of prominent individuals' relationships with Epstein, who passed away in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking allegations. Norway's Crown Princess Mette-Marit expressed regret for her interactions with Epstein, acknowledging poor judgment.
The World Economic Forum (WEF) has initiated an investigation into its CEO, Borge Brende, regarding his associations with Epstein. The investigation, conducted by the WEF's risk committee, seeks to clarify the nature of Brende's interactions with Epstein, which included business dinners and communications via email and text.
The WEF underscores its commitment to transparency and integrity through this investigation, which Brende requested himself. Brende, who served as Norway’s foreign minister from 2013 to 2017, stated his limited contact with Epstein and expressed regret for not further investigating Epstein's background.
Brende has confirmed informing WEF founder Klaus Schwab about these interactions in 2019, disputing Schwab’s claims to the contrary. The WEF aims to manage the situation thoughtfully and efficiently while Brende continues his responsibilities without participating in the review process.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.
