Norway parliament probes Epstein links to politicians, diplomats

The Norwegian parliament initiates public hearings on Wednesday to investigate connections between late U.S. sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and Norwegian diplomats and politicians, a scandal that has shaken the country's elite. The U.S. Department of Justice released millions of Epstein-related documents in January, unveiling links to politicians, royals, and the ultra-rich worldwide.

Norway, known for the Nobel Peace Prize and international diplomacy, has faced significant fallout, leading to parliamentary inquiries and police investigations.

Committee Chair Jonas Andersen Sayed emphasizes the need for the government to clarify its actions to restore trust in the foreign service, noting the presence of individuals who demonstrated poor judgment in their dealings with Epstein. The committee has summoned 11 current and former foreign ministers and development ministers, including former Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, who maintains no connection to Epstein.

Boerge Brende, a former foreign minister and CEO of the World Economic Forum, resigned following revelations of his friendship with Epstein, stating he was unaware of Epstein's criminal past when they first met in 2018.

Erik Solheim, another former development minister, criticized the probe as an overreaction that could hinder the foreign service's effectiveness. While not appearing before the parliament, other prominent Norwegians with ties to Epstein, including former Prime Minister Thorbjørn Jagland, former Minister Terje Roed-Larsen, and ex-diplomat Mona Juul, are under police investigation for corruption allegations.

All have denied criminal wrongdoing, with Roed-Larsen apologizing for his relationship with Epstein, which included a personal loan, and stepping down as CEO of the International Peace Institute. Queen Mette-Marit, wife of King Haakon, has also apologized for her friendship with Epstein but is not subject to the hearing.

In addition to the parliamentary investigation, an external commission of academics and legal experts has been appointed to probe matters brought to light by the documents, aiming to enhance the integrity and transparency of Norwegian authorities. This rare investigative commission, covering over 30 years of Norwegian diplomatic history, is expected to deliver its findings in early 2028, marking only the ninth such commission appointed by parliament in the past 140 years.