"We believe it is reasonable to investigate, since he held positions such as the chairmanship of the Nobel Committee and the Secretary General of the Council of Europe during periods covered by the published documents," says Pål K. Lønseth, head of the Economic Crime Authority, in a comment.
Among other things, they want to investigate whether Jagland has received gifts, trips or loans in connection with his holding those positions.
Emails show that Jagland had contact with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and discussed a family trip to his Caribbean island when he was chairman of the Nobel Committee. However, Jagland has denied that the trip took place.
Immunity
Jagland has immunity from prosecution for official acts he performed as Secretary General of the Council of Europe. The Economic Crime Authority has therefore asked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to take the initiative to have the Council of Europe lift his immunity.
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre emphasizes the importance of investigating Jagland's activities and said the government on Thursday took the initiative to have Jagland's immunity lifted.
The 75-year-old Jagland served as Norwegian Prime Minister from 1997 to 1998 and as Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2000 to 2001.
Jagland's lawyer Anders Brosveet tells VG that they welcome the investigation.
They will do their job and clarify this.
Children in will
Norwegian diplomat and former minister Terje Rød-Larsen and his wife Mona Juul are also involved in the Epstein scandal.
Last week, it emerged that the couple visited Epstein's island in the Caribbean and that their two children were to receive $5 million each under Epstein's will.
Rød-Larsen is to be investigated by the Economic Crime Authority and Juul was stripped of her duties as ambassador to Jordan and Iraq this week.
