Norwegian prosecutors have charged diplomat Mona Juul and her husband Terje Roed-Larsen over their links to financier Jeffrey Epstein.
Charges Filed Against Norwegian Diplomats
Norwegian economic crime and corruption prosecutors stated that Mona Juul and her husband Terje Roed-Larsen face charges in the investigation linked to Jeffrey Epstein. Juul is suspected of involvement in corruption, while Roed-Larsen faces complicity charges. Prosecutor Pal Onseth indicated that investigators now face complex and likely lengthy proceedings.
Norwegians’ Ties to Epstein
Documents from the U.S. Department of Justice reveal that Mona Juul and Terje Roed-Larsen maintained contact with the American financier for many years. The probe examines, among other matters, the couple’s purchase of an Oslo apartment at half its market value, reportedly facilitated by Epstein. Released documents also indicate Epstein sought through Roed-Larsen to connect with Norway’s sovereign wealth fund regarding a planned acquisition of U.S. firm Cushman & Wakefield. The Guardian reported that Roed-Larsen was named executor of Epstein’s will in 2017 (later changed), with Juul and Roed-Larsen’s children set to receive $10 million from Epstein.
Epstein’s Israeli Connection
Portal vg.no detailed Epstein’s contacts with former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak. In 2018, the American financier reportedly spoke with Barak to connect with a firm linked to Israeli intelligence. Documents show Barak identified Mona Juul and Terje Roed-Larsen as individuals who could assist Epstein.
Diplomatic Resignations and Other Investigations
Mona Juul resigned as Norway’s ambassador to Jordan and Iraq due to the investigation into her case. Previously, Juul served as Norway’s ambassador to the UK, its representative to the UN, and chair of the UN Economic and Social Council. Roed-Larsen headed the International Peace Institute. Separately, Norwegian prosecutors are investigating Epstein’s contacts with former Norwegian Prime Minister Thorbjørn Jagland, who also served as Secretary General of the Council of Europe and Chairman of the Norwegian Nobel Committee. Norwegian Crown Princess Mette-Marit, wife of Crown Prince Haakon, apologized for her ties to Epstein.