Newly released Justice Department files reveal how Jeffrey Epstein leveraged his connections to Thorbjørn Jagland, former head of the Nobel Peace Prize committee, to impress and entice global elites. The documents show Epstein repeatedly mentioned Jagland's presence at his properties to figures like Richard Branson, Larry Summers, Bill Gates, and Steve Bannon between 2010 and 2018.

Jagland, who chaired the Nobel committee from 2009 to 2015, appears hundreds of times in the millions of pages released. Norwegian authorities have charged the 75-year-old with "aggravated corruption" following an investigation prompted by the files. The economic crime unit Økokrim searched his Oslo residence and two other properties, examining whether gifts, travel, and loans were received during his tenure.

While the documents show no evidence of direct lobbying for Nobel prizes, Epstein's correspondence reveals calculated attempts to use Jagland's prestige. In messages to Steve Bannon, Epstein referenced Trump's potential reaction to their connection. To Bill Gates, he noted Jagland's reelection as head of the Council of Europe, prompting Gates to ask about the Nobel position. The scandal extends beyond Jagland, with Norwegian diplomat Terje Rød Larsen and his wife also facing corruption charges linked to their Epstein association.