In brief
Norwegian police have begun investigating diplomat Mona Juul and her husband, Terje Rød-Larsen, amid revelations of their connections to Jeffrey Epstein. Juul's resignation as ambassador to Jordan and Iraq comes shortly before the investigation, triggered by reports of her children's potential inheritance from Epstein's will. This inquiry, led by Norway's economic crime unit, Økokrim, focuses on allegations of improper benefits linked to her diplomatic position.
Police in Norway have opened an investigation into high-profile diplomat Mona Juul and her husband, Terje Rød-Larsen, over their connections to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Mona Juul, who recently resigned as Norway's ambassador to Jordan and Iraq, was suspended amid allegations involving a will supposedly signed by Epstein before his death, which earmarked $5 million for each of her children.
Documents made public as part of the Epstein case reveal that Rød-Larsen had a dinner meeting with Epstein in Paris just before Epstein’s arrest in 2019. Both Juul and Rød-Larsen deny any wrongdoing. Juul's lawyer has stated she does not recognize the accusations, while Rød-Larsen's legal representative expresses confidence the investigation will prove there’s no basis for criminal liability.
The inquiry, focusing on potential corrupt practices, has been initiated by Norway's economic crime unit, Økokrim. Investigators aim to establish whether any benefits were improperly gained concerning Juul's position as an ambassador.
Authorities have already conducted searches connected to the investigation in Oslo, and Norwegian foreign ministry officials have described Juul's past dealings with Epstein as a serious lapse in judgment. Juul and Rød-Larsen were known for their roles in the Oslo Accords, aimed at fostering peace between Israel and Palestine.
This situation adds to an expanding list of prominent Norwegians, including former Prime Minister Thorbjørn Jagland and World Economic Forum CEO Borge Brende, who have found themselves scrutinized due to their links with Epstein, raising serious questions about their conduct.
