Source: Reuters
STOCKHOLM, Feb 12 — Norway has been rocked by the release of millions of documents linked to Jeffrey Epstein, shedding light on contacts between the late U.S. financier and several prominent Norwegian figures, including senior diplomats and politicians.
Norway’s parliament has appointed a rare independent inquiry into the foreign ministry’s ties to Epstein. Police investigations are underway involving a diplomatic couple and a former prime minister, while the World Economic Forum (WEF) has launched a separate review into its Norwegian chief executive.
Former ambassador Mona Juul, who resigned in February from her postings to Jordan and Iraq, is suspected of gross corruption. Her husband, Terje Roed-Larsen, a former government minister, is suspected of complicity in gross corruption. Through their lawyers, both have denied wrongdoing, saying there is no basis for the allegations.
Recently released files from the U.S. Justice Department suggest a closer relationship between Roed-Larsen and Epstein than previously acknowledged. Among the disclosures are references to plans by the couple to visit Epstein’s private island in 2011, though it remains unclear whether the trip took place. Text messages from 2017 show Roed-Larsen thanking Epstein for “everything you have done” and referring to him as his “best friend.” The documents also indicate Epstein assisted the couple in negotiating the purchase of an Oslo apartment in 2018.
In a will signed two days before his death in 2019, Epstein reportedly named the couple’s two children as beneficiaries of $5 million each.
Former Prime Minister Thorbjoern Jagland, who served in 1996–97 and later led the Norwegian Nobel Committee and the Council of Europe, is under investigation for alleged aggravated corruption related to dealings with Epstein. Jagland has denied ever visiting Epstein’s private island. His lawyer said Jagland welcomed the investigation and was confident it would clear him.
The files also reference communications in which Epstein sought Jagland’s help in arranging a meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.
Separately, the World Economic Forum said it had initiated an independent investigation into CEO Boerge Brende, a former Norwegian foreign minister, to clarify his relationship with Epstein. The WEF stated Brende fully supports the review. Newly disclosed messages suggest a more cordial tone between Brende and Epstein than Brende had previously described. Brende has said he “had nothing to do” with Epstein.
The revelations have intensified scrutiny in Norway, raising questions about ethics, governance, and the extent of Epstein’s connections with international elites. Authorities and institutions have stressed that investigations are ongoing.
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