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Jeffrey Epstein leveraged his relationship with the former head of the Nobel Peace Prize committee in conversations with global elites, according to newly released documents from the U.S. Justice Department. These revelations have now led to corruption charges against the former Norwegian official.
Thorbjørn Jagland, who chaired the Norwegian Nobel Committee from 2009 to 2015, appears hundreds of times in the millions of documents about the convicted sex offender released last month. Norwegian police have charged the 75-year-old with “aggravated corruption” following an investigation sparked by information contained in these files.
Norway’s economic crime unit, Økokrim, is investigating whether Jagland received gifts, travel benefits, and loans in connection with his prestigious position. Law enforcement officials have conducted searches of his Oslo residence along with two additional properties in Risør and Rauland. Through his attorneys at the Elden law firm, Jagland has denied the charges after being questioned by police.
While the documents reviewed so far don’t show explicit lobbying for Nobel Peace Prize selections, they reveal how Epstein frequently emphasized his connection to Jagland when communicating with influential figures in business, politics, and technology.
In September 2018, during Donald Trump’s presidency, Epstein exchanged messages with Steve Bannon, a key Trump ally. “Donalds head would explode if he knew you were now buds with the guy who on monday will decide the nobel peace prize,” Epstein wrote to Bannon in one grammatically flawed message. He added cryptically, “I told him next year it should be you when we settle china.”
The documents show Epstein using his relationship with Jagland as social currency across his elite network. In a 2013 email to British entrepreneur Richard Branson that mixed investment tips and public relations advice, Epstein mentioned that Jagland would be staying with him, suggesting Branson “might find him interesting” if he happened to be there.
Similar invitations were extended to other prominent figures. In 2015, Epstein invited Kathy Ruemmler, who had recently left her position as White House counsel to President Barack Obama, to meet with the “head of nobel peace prize” during his visit.
Epstein also mentioned Jagland in a 2012 email to former Treasury Secretary and Harvard University president Larry Summers, describing him as “not bright” but offering a “unique perspective.” In 2014, Epstein informed Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates about Jagland’s reelection as head of the Council of Europe, prompting Gates to reply, “That is good. I guess his peace prize committee job is also up in the air?”
During Jagland’s leadership of the Nobel Committee, controversial Peace Prize selections included President Barack Obama in 2009 and the European Union in 2012.
The documents suggest Jagland was introduced to Epstein through Terje Rød Larsen, a Norwegian diplomat instrumental in brokering the Oslo Peace Accords between Israel and Palestinians. Both Larsen and his wife are now facing corruption charges in Norway related to their connections with Epstein.
The revelations come from an extensive collection of documents about the disgraced financier released by the U.S. Department of Justice. These files are being reviewed collaboratively by journalists from multiple major news organizations, including Associated Press, CBS, NBC, MS NOW, and CNBC, though each outlet maintains independent editorial control over its reporting.
The case highlights the complex web of relationships Epstein cultivated with powerful figures across politics, business, and academia, even after his 2008 conviction for soliciting a minor for prostitution. For Jagland, who once held positions as Norway’s prime minister and later as head of the Council of Europe, the corruption investigation represents a stunning fall from grace for a man who once helped decide one of the world’s most prestigious awards.
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8 Comments
The revelations about Epstein’s exploitation of the Nobel Peace Prize are deeply disturbing. This prestigious award should be a symbol of peace, not a tool for predators to gain access to global elites. I hope the Norwegian authorities can uncover the full extent of the corruption and hold all responsible parties accountable.
This news is a stark reminder of the dangers of unchecked influence and corruption, even at the highest levels of prestigious institutions. The Nobel Peace Prize should be a beacon of hope, not a means for criminals to further their nefarious agendas. I hope the ongoing investigation brings the full truth to light.
This story highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in the selection process for the Nobel Peace Prize. The fact that Epstein was able to leverage his connections with the former committee chair is extremely concerning. The integrity of this award must be restored to uphold its noble mission.
While the details are still emerging, this case raises serious questions about the integrity of the Nobel Peace Prize process. Epstein’s ability to leverage his connections with the former committee chair is extremely troubling. It’s crucial that the committee implement stronger safeguards to prevent such abuses of power in the future.
This story highlights the need for greater oversight and accountability when it comes to high-profile awards and honors. The Nobel Peace Prize should be a symbol of peace and human rights, not a tool for predatory individuals to exploit. I hope the Norwegian authorities can uncover the full extent of any wrongdoing.
The allegations of corruption surrounding the Nobel Peace Prize are deeply troubling. This award should be a beacon of hope and a recognition of those who have made significant contributions to peace and human rights. The Norwegian investigation must be thorough and ensure that the selection process is insulated from undue influence.
This is a disturbing revelation about the corruption and abuse of power involved in the Nobel Peace Prize selection process. It’s deeply concerning to see how Epstein leveraged this prestigious award to gain influence and access to global elites. The investigation into the former chair’s alleged misconduct must be thorough and transparent.
This news is a sobering reminder of the power of high-profile awards and the need for robust oversight. The Nobel Peace Prize should be a symbol of the best of humanity, not a tool for predators to exploit. I hope the Norwegian authorities can uncover the full extent of the corruption and take appropriate actions to restore the integrity of this prestigious award.