In a developing story from Norway, authorities are delving into the actions of former Prime Minister Thorbjørn Jagland after unearthed emails suggest he was involved in a curious endeavor orchestrated by the infamous Jeffrey Epstein. The correspondence reveals Epstein’s attempts to use Jagland as a conduit to connect with high-ranking Russian officials, including President Vladimir Putin.

The intrigue began in May 2013 when Epstein reached out to Jagland via email, proposing a bold initiative aimed at transforming the global financial landscape. Epstein’s proposal was nothing short of audacious, suggesting a revolutionary “new form of money” that could propel Russia ahead of the global community. This initiative was intended as a message for Putin, seeking to entice the Russian leader with promises of financial reinvention.

Jagland’s response to Epstein was cautious yet open to discussion. He acknowledged the challenge in communicating such a complex idea directly to Putin but expressed willingness to broach the subject of foreign investment. In a diplomatic tone, Jagland offered to inform Putin that he had a “friend”—referring to Epstein—capable of aiding in necessary economic measures.

Epstein’s reply was strategic, urging Jagland to emphasize their close association and to mention his advisory role to notable figures such as Bill Gates. He further stipulated that any potential meeting with Putin should last no less than two to three hours, underscoring the importance of the proposed dialogue.

Further emails, dated June 24, 2018, indicated Epstein’s continued interest in engaging with Russian officials. He expressed a desire to converse with Sergei Lavrov, Russia’s seasoned foreign minister, suggesting Jagland propose this to Putin. Epstein also noted past communications with Vitaly Churkin, Russia’s former UN ambassador, to bolster his credibility.

Despite the intriguing nature of these exchanges, it remains uncertain whether Epstein ever secured meetings with either Putin or Lavrov. As investigations continue, this episode adds a new layer to the complex narrative surrounding Epstein’s global entanglements.

Jagland and family visited Epstein’s properties numerous times. He and his family stayed at Epstein’s island, his Palm Beach house and his Paris apartment, and Epstein’s staff helped coordinate the trips, emails show. 

In May 2012, Jagland and his wife stayed with Epstein in his Paris apartment, according to an itinerary.

And in March 2014, Epstein invited Jagland’s family to visit him on his island. A redacted sender contacted Cecil de Jongh, who was then the first lady of the U.S. Virgin Islands, and said of Jagland, “This man lives far, far away and I had also looking into flights for him & the family over xmas and it was nightmare!” A few days later, Jagland was contacted by Lesley Groff, who said she would help plan the trip. Emails show it was booked for April 8. 

The pending investigation into Jagland will look into gifts, travels and loans that he may have received from Epstein, because they would constitute ethics violations while he was serving a  secretary general and chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee. 

Jagland also commented about women on several occasions in his emails with Epstein. In one, he talked about celebrating his wife’s 60th birthday in the Caribbean and wrote, “I can’t keep it going only with young women as you know.” In another, he told Epstein he was “in Tirana (Albania) extraordinary girls.”

Anders Brosveet, an attorney representing Jagland, said in a statement, “Due to the ongoing police investigation, it would not be appropriate for Mr. Jagland to respond to questions from the press regarding matters that may become subject to the investigation.”

Brosveet’s law firm, Elden Advokatfirma, pointed to a prior statement from him that reads: “We view it positively that [Norwegian authorities] will now review the questions that have been raised by the press in recent days.”