Active investigation — HIGH

Børge Brende

Former Foreign Minister of Norway (2013-2017)President of World Economic Forum (2017-2026)Former Environment Minister (2001-2004)Høyre (Conservative Party)

Born

25 July 1965

Party

Høyre (Conservative)

Environment Minister

2001 – 2004

Foreign Minister

2013 – 2017

WEF President

2017 – 2026

Criminal Complaint

Eva Joly calls for Økokrim probe (Feb 2026)

Claims under investigation

Eva Joly alleges that Børge Brende may have misused public authority

verified

TV2 interview, February 27 2026. Joly described as 'perhaps Norway's foremost anti-corruption hunter'.

Eva Joly calls for Økokrim to open an investigation into Børge Brende

verified

TV2 interview, February 27 2026. Direct quote from Joly calling for formal Økokrim probe.

Eva Joly is described as 'perhaps Norway's foremost anti-corruption hunter'

verified

TV2 article framing. Joly previously brought down the Elf Aquitaine corruption network in France.

Brende moved directly from Foreign Minister to WEF President without adequate quarantine period

investigating

Karanteneutvalget review status unknown. Archive probes submitted to einnsyn and Stortinget.

As Foreign Minister, Brende controlled the UD budget that funded IPI while Rød-Larsen was its president

investigating

UD budget line items for international organizations 2013-2017 under investigation. IPI received Norwegian government funding during this period.

Norwegian media connected Brende's WEF departure to the Epstein case

verified

Nettavisen article 'Brendes avgang: Ikke synd på dem' extracted Jeffrey Epstein as a named entity. Multiple outlets covering departure in Epstein context.

Timeline

2001-2004

Environment Minister under Bondevik II

Served as Environment Minister alongside Development Minister Hilde Frafjord Johnson. First government role in the revolving door to international organizations.

2013-10

Appointed Foreign Minister under Solberg government

Controlled the UD budget that funded international organizations including IPI, where Terje Rød-Larsen served as president while maintaining contact with Jeffrey Epstein.

2017-01

Transition from Foreign Minister to WEF President

Moved directly from controlling Norway's foreign policy budget to leading the World Economic Forum. The Karanteneutvalget (quarantine committee) review of this transition is a key unanswered question.

2026-02-27

Announces departure from WEF

Brende announces he is stepping down as WEF President. Covered by 20+ Norwegian outlets. Ine Eriksen Søreide, his successor at UD, says he will not return to Norwegian politics.

2026-02-27

Eva Joly calls for Økokrim investigation

Anti-corruption magistrate Eva Joly publicly states Brende's conduct may constitute 'misbruk av offentlig myndighet' (abuse of public authority) and calls for Økokrim to open a formal investigation.

Network and connections

Eva Joly

Anti-corruption magistrate

Publicly accused Brende of potential abuse of public authority

Terje Rød-Larsen

Former IPI President

Led IPI while it received UD funding during Brende's tenure as Foreign Minister. Both moved from Norwegian government to international organizations.

Thorbjørn Jagland

Former PM / Nobel Committee Chair

Norwegian diplomatic elite network. Both served as leaders of major international organizations after Norwegian government careers.

Ine Eriksen Søreide

Brende's successor at UD

Replaced Brende as Foreign Minister (2017-2021). Stated publicly that Brende will not return to Norwegian politics.

World Economic Forum

International organization

Brende served as President from 2017. Crown Prince Haakon is a WEF Young Global Leader. WEF receives Norwegian government participation and funding.

Crown Prince Haakon

WEF Young Global Leader

Connected through WEF. Currently 'filling in' for King Harald. Married to Crown Princess Mette-Marit who has connections to Rød-Larsen social circle.

Open questions

Did the Karanteneutvalget review Brende's 2017 transition from Foreign Minister to WEF President? What restrictions were imposed?

How much Norwegian government funding went to WEF and IPI during Brende's tenure as Foreign Minister (2013-2017)?

What specific conduct is Eva Joly referring to when she alleges 'misbruk av offentlig myndighet'?

Did Brende have knowledge of the IPI/Epstein warning that Norwegian MFA received in 2019?

Where is Brende going after WEF? Another international organization? Private sector?

Will Økokrim respond to Eva Joly's public call for investigation?

Related files

Thorbjørn Jagland

Active Investigation

Terje Rød-Larsen & Mona Juul

Active Investigation

Kronprinsesse Mette-Marit

Active Investigation

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All findings are sourced. Investigation ongoing. Page updates automatically.
Last updated: 2026-02-27 16:07 UTC