Former Norwegian Prime Minister Thorbjorn Jagland has been charged with "gross corruption" over his ties with the US sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, police have said, BBC reported. 

The charge was brought after the Council of Europe lifted Jagland's immunity, which he enjoyed because of his past diplomatic role. He denies criminal liability and is willing to cooperate, his lawyer says.

Emails released by the US government are thought to show that Jagland planned solo and family visits to Epstein's homes in Paris, New York and Palm Beach after the billionaire was convicted of a child sex offence, according to BBC.