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

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.

Three of Jagland's properties were searched by Norwegian crime unit Økokrim and he is now expected to be questioned.

Norway’s former Prime Minister Thorbjørn Jagland has been charged with “aggravated corruption” after a police probe into his alleged ties to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, according to the law firm representing him.

Elden Law Firm confirmed to CNN on Thursday that Jagland is “charged with aggravated corruption,” adding that he “denies all charges.”

Økokrim, Norway’s investigative agency for economic and environmental crime, said it will now question Jagland as part of its ongoing investigation.

The agency’s director, Pål Lønseth, said searches were carried out Jagland’s residence in Oslo on Thursday, as well as at two other properties. “Økokrim cannot comment on any potential seizures. The investigation will now take its course,” he said in a statement.