Epstein case: Azerbaijan-phobic former PM faces corruption probe

Norway’s Economic Crime Unit (Oekokrim) has opened an investigation into former Norwegian Prime Minister Thorbjørn Jagland—known for his firm anti-Azerbaijani position—on suspicion of corruption, following a review of recently released documents related to the Jeffrey Epstein case.

According to Oekokrim, the declassified materials contain information suggesting Jagland may have received gifts, travel reimbursements, and loans during his tenure in international positions, Caliber.Az reports.

At the time, Jagland served as chairman of the Nobel Committee and Secretary General of the Council of Europe—roles that investigators say require scrutiny for potential abuse of office.

The police have requested that Norway’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs waive Jagland’s diplomatic immunity, which he holds as a former head of an international organisation, to allow a full investigation, Oekokrim noted.

No formal charges have been filed against Jagland yet. His lawyer has reportedly expressed readiness to cooperate with authorities.

Jagland served as Norway’s prime minister from 1996 to 1997 and as foreign minister from 2000 to 2001. 

He was Secretary General of the Council of Europe from 2009 to 2019 and chaired the Nobel Committee from 2009 to 2015.

Jagland, as Council of Europe Secretary General, was known for his strongly anti-Azerbaijani stance, repeatedly criticising Azerbaijan’s domestic policies and actions on the international stage.

Jeffrey Epstein was convicted in Florida in 2008 for soliciting a minor for prostitution and served 13 months of an 18-month sentence. He was arrested again in 2019 on multiple charges, including child trafficking and organising prostitution, and was found dead in his cell on August 10, 2019; authorities ruled it a suicide. 

The Epstein case drew widespread attention due to his connections with numerous wealthy and high-ranking individuals.

By Jeyhun Aghazada