A former Norwegian prime minister has been charged with serious corruption following the recent release of new documents in the Jeffrey Epstein case by the United States.
Foreign news agencies reported on 12 Feb 2026 that Thorbjørn Jakland, former prime minister of Norway, has been charged with “serious corruption” due to his ties with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after the US disclosed the latest set of documents related to Epstein’s case.
Jakland was charged after the European Council revoked his diplomatic immunity, which he had obtained from his previous diplomatic roles. His lawyer stated that Jakland denies all allegations and is willing to cooperate with the investigation.
Emails released by the US government appear to show that Jakland planned private and family visits to Epstein’s residences in Paris, New York, and Palm Beach, despite Epstein having been convicted of child sexual abuse. It also appears Epstein covered all expenses for these visits.
Norway’s crime-fighting agency (Økokrim) has searched three of Jakland’s properties and is expected to question him soon.
Jakland served as Norway’s prime minister from 1996 to 1997. He also chaired the Norwegian Nobel Committee and served as Secretary General of the European Council for nearly a decade.
Jakland had diplomatic immunity from his role as Secretary General of the European Council, an organization monitoring democracy and human rights in Europe. This immunity protected him from accusations of wrongdoing during his tenure from 2009 to 2019.
Norway’s crime-fighting agency requested the council to revoke his immunity after opening an investigation earlier this month into serious corruption allegations dating from 2011 to 2018.
Jakland also faces allegations that he sought Epstein’s help in obtaining a bank loan, though it remains unclear if this actually happened or if it is included in the serious corruption charges against him.
Being named in the Epstein files, which were released by the US Department of Justice, does not imply any wrongdoing.
Numerous politicians, celebrities, and royals are named in Jeffrey Epstein’s case documents, which include private emails, photos, and millions of FBI reports released by the US over recent months. Notable names include Princess Mette-Marit, diplomat Mona Juul, Prince Andrew, Bill Gates, and many others.
Follow international news:https://www.thairath.co.th/news/foreign
Source:bbc