The recent Epstein files (a massive release of over 3 million pages of documents by the U.S. Department of Justice in late January/early February 2026) have exposed extensive networks of high-profile contacts Jeffrey Epstein maintained, including several diplomats, former foreign ministers, and international officialsâmostly in Europe. This has led to resignations, suspensions, police investigations, and corruption charges in various countries.
These individuals are generally portrayed in the files as friends, correspondents, or beneficiaries of Epstein (often post-2008 conviction), rather than as victims of his sexual abuse crimes (like the underage girls in the core allegations). No new diplomats appear as confirmed sexual abuse victims in the released documents; instead, the focus is on potential corruption, influence peddling, financial ties (e.g., loans, gifts, inheritances), or poor judgment in maintaining contact after Epstein's crimes became public.
Here are the key diplomats and former high-level diplomatic figures highlighted in the 2026 files and related fallout (based on reports from sources like BBC, Reuters, NYT, Al Jazeera, PBS, and others):
- Mona Juul (Norway): Former ambassador to Jordan and Iraq. Resigned in early February 2026 after reports that Epstein's will (allegedly signed shortly before his 2019 death) left $5 million each to her two children (total $10 million). She and her husband are under investigation by Norway's Ăkokrim for aggravated corruption tied to their Foreign Ministry roles.
- Terje Rød-Larsen (Norway, Juul's husband): Key architect of the 1993 Oslo Accords, former UN official and diplomat. Investigated for complicity in gross corruption. Files show Epstein lent him money (e.g., $130,000 in 2013), helped with visas for young women (described as having "extraordinary abilities"), and planned family visits to Epstein properties. Epstein reportedly called him a close friend.
- Thorbjørn Jagland (Norway): Former Prime Minister, Foreign Minister, Nobel Committee chair, and Council of Europe Secretary-General. Charged with gross corruption in February 2026 over Epstein ties (e.g., emails about meetings, meals, gifts, travel, and loans during his official roles). Police raided his properties; he denies wrongdoing but cooperates.
- Miroslav LajÄĂĄk (Slovakia): Former Foreign Minister, ex-President of the UN General Assembly, former EU Special Representative for the Western Balkans, and (until recently) National Security Adviser to PM Robert Fico. Resigned after files revealed 2018 text exchanges with Epstein discussing "gorgeous girls," movies, and diplomacy. He denied wrongdoing, claiming contacts were diplomatic in nature.
- Peter Mandelson (UK): Former EU Trade Commissioner, Business Secretary, and (until 2025/2026) UK Ambassador to the US. Fired/resigned amid scandal; now under police investigation for possible misconduct in public office (e.g., allegedly sharing market-sensitive government info with Epstein during the 2008-2009 financial crisis). Files show payments from Epstein, close friendship (Epstein called him a "pest pal"), and post-conviction contacts.
- Other notable diplomatic mentions:
- William Burns (US): Current CIA Director (former Deputy Secretary of State). Scheduling docs show three 2014 meetings with Epstein; no further allegations of wrongdoing.
- Vitaly Churkin (Russia, deceased): Former UN Ambassador. Epstein claimed to advise him (and indirectly Sergey Lavrov/Putin) on US matters.
- Indirect or lesser ties: Crown Princess Mette-Marit (Norway) expressed regret over post-2008 emails calling Epstein "sweetheart" and "charming." French diplomat Fabrice Aidan (Quai d'Orsay) mentioned in emails, prompting a French probe. Swedish UN official Joanna Rubinstein reportedly quit over a 2012 island visit.
