Norwegian authorities have launched an investigation into two high-ranking diplomats accused of having ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Mona Juul, a former ambassador to Jordan and Iraq, and her husband Terje Rød-Larsen, a former diplomat and president of the International Peace Institute, are under scrutiny for their alleged involvement in gross corruption.
The Norwegian financial crimes squad, Økokrim, is probing Juul on suspicion of accepting benefits while working at the foreign ministry. Her resignation as ambassador was announced just hours after it was revealed that she had received $10 million from Epstein. The couple's two children were also left a substantial inheritance by Epstein, with Rød-Larsen serving as the executer of his will before the appointment was revoked.
Juul has denied any wrongdoing and is cooperating fully with investigators, while Rød-Larsen's lawyer claims that the allegations against him are without merit. The investigation into Juul's husband has centered on an apartment transfer in 2018 and a possible trip to Epstein's private island in 2011.
The case has sparked controversy in Norway, particularly given Epstein's relationship with Crown Princess Mette-Marit. While appearing in the files does not necessarily imply wrongdoing, the revelations have sent shockwaves through the Nordic nation. The Økorkrim authority has already launched an investigation into former Labour Prime Minister Thorbjørn Jagland, who was a close associate of Epstein.
The situation has raised questions about the connections between Norway's elite and the financier, who died in prison in 2019 while awaiting trial for sex crimes against minors. It remains to be seen how this scandal will unfold, but one thing is clear: those at the top are not immune from scrutiny.
The Norwegian financial crimes squad, Økokrim, is probing Juul on suspicion of accepting benefits while working at the foreign ministry. Her resignation as ambassador was announced just hours after it was revealed that she had received $10 million from Epstein. The couple's two children were also left a substantial inheritance by Epstein, with Rød-Larsen serving as the executer of his will before the appointment was revoked.
Juul has denied any wrongdoing and is cooperating fully with investigators, while Rød-Larsen's lawyer claims that the allegations against him are without merit. The investigation into Juul's husband has centered on an apartment transfer in 2018 and a possible trip to Epstein's private island in 2011.
The case has sparked controversy in Norway, particularly given Epstein's relationship with Crown Princess Mette-Marit. While appearing in the files does not necessarily imply wrongdoing, the revelations have sent shockwaves through the Nordic nation. The Økorkrim authority has already launched an investigation into former Labour Prime Minister Thorbjørn Jagland, who was a close associate of Epstein.
The situation has raised questions about the connections between Norway's elite and the financier, who died in prison in 2019 while awaiting trial for sex crimes against minors. It remains to be seen how this scandal will unfold, but one thing is clear: those at the top are not immune from scrutiny.