Norway’s central economic and environmental crime-fighting unit, Okokrim, conducted searches of multiple properties owned by 75-year-old Thorbjørn Jagland, including his home in Oslo and residences in Risør and Rauland, as part of a corruption investigation linked to the Jeffrey Epstein files. Jagland is the former Prime Minister of Norway, former Secretary-General of the Council of Europe, and former head of the Norwegian Nobel Committee.

The investigation was announced on February 5 after the release of the Epstein files. Okokrim said there are “reasonable grounds for investigation” regarding Jagland’s family visits to Epstein’s private island while he held prominent public offices. Authorities are examining whether gifts, travel, or loans were received in connection with Jagland’s positions. The Council of Europe lifted Jagland’s immunity on Wednesday, allowing authorities to proceed with the searches.

Emails released by the U.S. Department of Justice detail communications between Jagland and Epstein in 2014 regarding travel arrangements. In February 2014, Jagland asked Epstein, “How can we proceed with the tickets for Easter?” Epstein requested names and passport numbers. March emails mention assistance with a trip to Palm Beach and Epstein’s island, while April communications discuss arrangements for Jagland and his family to be picked up by an individual named “Jermaine.”

Okokrim also announced a separate investigation of Norway’s former ambassador to Iraq, Mona Juul, and her husband Terje Rod-Larsen to determine whether any criminal conduct took place. Okokrim Chief Pal Lonseth described the investigation as “comprehensive” and “long-lasting,” emphasizing that authorities are scrutinizing whether senior officials used their positions for personal benefit.