Norwegian authorities and lawmakers have launched inquiries into reported links between Jeffrey Epstein and a number of politicians and diplomats, following the release of a large collection of documents related to the late financier.
The documents, released by the US Department of Justice in January, reportedly shed light on Epstein’s connections with prominent political figures, members of royal families and wealthy individuals in several countries.
The disclosures have triggered political scrutiny in Norway, a country known for its role in international diplomacy and as the host of the Nobel Peace Prize.
Jonas Andersen Sayed, who is leading a hearing before parliament’s Committee on Scrutiny and Constitutional Affairs, said the government needed to clarify what steps were being taken to rebuild confidence in the country’s foreign service.
Andersen Sayed said some individuals who maintained relationships with Epstein had shown what he described as “very poor judgement”. The parliamentary committee has summoned 11 serving and former foreign and development ministers to address questions surrounding the reported connections.
Among those called to appear is Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, who served as foreign minister between 2005 and 2012.
Støre has denied having any relationship with Epstein. He said the issues highlighted by the disclosures involved a limited number of individuals rather than representing a broader problem within Norway’s foreign ministry.
According to Støre, concerns that have been identified have either already been addressed or are being dealt with. He pointed to updated conflict-of-interest rules for officials and decision-makers as one of the measures introduced in response.
The parliamentary and police inquiries are expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the reported contacts and whether any rules or official procedures were breached.
