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Norwegian authorities have launched a wide-ranging investigation into senior officials' contacts with paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, following the release of a series of documents by the United States Department of Justice. The investigation has involved diplomats, politicians and prominent public figures, sparking strong political and institutional reactions in Norway.
The investigation into Mona Juul and Terje Rod-Larsen
The Norwegian economic crimes unit, Okokrim, has launched an investigation into diplomat Mona Juul and her husband, Terje Rod-Larsen, on suspicion of serious corruption and complicity in corruption. Juul resigned from her post as Norway's ambassador to Jordan and Iraq, following suspicions that she may have benefited from her official position while working at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Rod-Larsen, a former diplomat and former president of the International Peace Institute (IPI), is being investigated for complicity in serious corruption. The director of Okokrim, Pal Lonseth, confirmed the opening of a broad and long-term investigation, with the aim of clarifying whether criminal acts have been committed.
Authorities are also reviewing documents showing that the couple's two children benefited from about $10 million from Epstein. According to U.S. filings, Rod-Larsen was named executor of Epstein's will in 2017, an appointment that was later revoked. The documents also show that the couple visited Epstein's private island in 2011, along with their children.
Lawyers for Juul and Rod-Larsen have stated that their clients are cooperating fully with authorities and are confident that the charges will prove to be unfounded.
Norwegian government reaction
Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide said Juul's contacts with Epstein had shown a "serious lapse in judgment", stressing that the situation made it difficult to restore the trust that such a high diplomatic post requires.
Juul's lawyer, Thomas Skjelbred, described the case as a serious allegation, but stressed that his client welcomes a full investigation to clarify the real circumstances and that she does not accept the accusations made against her.
Expanding investigations, other high-profile figures
Okokrim has also opened an investigation into Thorbjorn Jagland, former prime minister of Norway, former chairman of the Norwegian Nobel Committee and former secretary general of the Council of Europe. Authorities have clarified that being mentioned in the documents does not automatically constitute a legal violation or criminal liability.
Crown Princess Mette-Marit has publicly admitted that she had contact with Epstein and expressed regret, stating that she had not properly assessed the situation at the time.
Public reactions
The release of the documents has sparked a strong reaction in Norwegian public opinion. Media and political representatives have called for full transparency and an independent investigation into how the contacts with Epstein were managed and whether they affected the integrity of state institutions.
Rod-Larsen has apologized several times for his association with Epstein and in 2020 resigned from his position as executive director of the International Institute of Peace.
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