Former Norwegian Prime Minister Thorbjørn Jagland allegedly attempted suicide and has been hospitalized according to multiple media reports, following intense scrutiny for his ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Reports in Europe indicate his condition is serious and happened shortly after the investigation intensified early in February 2026.
Jagland, 75, served as Norway’s Prime Minister from 1996 to 1997, Secretary General of the Council of Europe (2009–2019) and chairman of the Norwegian Nobel Committee. He has a long history as a figure of European and Norwegian human rights and diplomacy, with access to world leaders like Vladimir Putin.
His diplomatic immunity was lifted by the Council of Europe on February 11, at Norway’s request. Shortly after Jaglund was charged with “aggravated corruption” following a police probe. A conviction could bring 10 years in prison to the diplomat under Norwegian law.
Files show a mutually beneficial relationship between Jeffrey Epstein and Thorbjorn Jagland.
Recently released emails between the two show a friendly and transactional relationship, even after Epstein’s 2008 conviction. The investigation centers on whether Jaglund misused his position to receive gifts, travel and loans from Epstein.
It appears that Epstein used Jaglund, who he called “a great friend” and “Mr. Human Rights” to curry favor with politicians and business people. In return, Epstein offered the use of his homes in New York, Miami, and the island in the Caribbean. When a visit was confirmed, Epstein sent a flurry of emails to let Bill Gates, Larry Summers and Richard Branson, among others, know that the head of the Nobel Committee was his guest.
In emails to Epstein, Jagland comments about the “extraordinary girls” of Albania, where he was on a trip in 2012. In another, he appeared to joke about relations with younger women as he prepared to celebrate his wife’s 60th birthday.
“I can’t keep it going only with young women as you know,” Mr. Jagland wrote in 2013.
Epstein hoped Jaglund would facilitate a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, as evidenced by several emails, and Jaglund worked to try to make that happen. Epstein’s focus was apparently on selling Putin on the advantages of digital currencies, and to offer his services to Putin in helping the Russians understand Trump.