Norwegian police have launched an investigation into two prominent diplomats, Mona Juul and her husband, Terje Roed-Larsen, as part of a corruption probe linked to their connections with the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. Juul, who recently resigned from her role as ambassador to Jordan and Iraq, is suspected of gross corruption, while Roed-Larsen, a former government minister, faces allegations of complicity in similar activities.
The investigation, confirmed by Norway’s financial crimes unit, Oekokrim, stems from a broader scandal involving influential figures in Norway and their ties to Epstein, who was found dead in a New York jail in August 2019. Oekokrim’s statement indicated that this inquiry is expected to be extensive and long-term, focusing on specific instances of alleged corruption.
According to the couple’s legal representatives, both Juul and Roed-Larsen are cooperating with the investigation and firmly dispute the allegations against them. The scrutiny of Roed-Larsen’s association with Epstein began in March 2019, when Norwegian media first reported on their relationship. The former minister has since publicly apologized for his past connections and resigned from his position as CEO of the New York-based International Peace Institute in 2020.
The renewed attention on Juul and Roed-Larsen’s involvement with Epstein emerged after the U.S. Justice Department released millions of pages of files related to the financier’s case last month. Among these documents were details indicating that the couple had discussed plans to visit Epstein’s private island with their children in 2011, although it remains unclear if the visit occurred.
Roed-Larsen’s friendship with Epstein appears to have been more substantial than that of his wife. In a text message from 2017, he referred to Epstein as his “best friend” and expressed gratitude for “everything you have done.” Epstein also played a role in the couple’s real estate dealings, assisting them with the purchase of an apartment in Oslo in 2018. An email exchange from Epstein warned the seller that it “will become unpleasant” if he reneged on the deal due to the price being too low.
In a will signed just two days before his death, Epstein reportedly included provisions for the couple’s two children, each of whom stands to inherit approximately $5 million (AUD 7.1 million). Roed-Larsen’s legal counsel, John Christian Elden, stated that the investigation is focused on the real estate transaction and the 2011 trip. He expressed confidence that a thorough review of the facts would demonstrate no basis for criminal liability and lead to a dismissal of the case.
Juul has a distinguished diplomatic career, having served as Norway’s ambassador to Israel, the United Kingdom, and at the United Nations. Oekokrim has indicated that part of their investigation will assess whether Juul received any benefits in connection with her official position. Her lawyer, Thomas Skjelbred, emphasized that Juul views the investigation positively, as it will provide an opportunity to clear her name. He stated, “My client does not recognize the accusations made against her.”
Both diplomats played significant roles in the Oslo Accords, the peace negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians that took place from 1993 to 1995. Despite their involvement in these historic talks, lasting peace in the region remains elusive. Roed-Larsen, now 78 years old, briefly held a cabinet minister position in 1996 under former Prime Minister Thorbjoern Jagland.
The investigation has drawn attention not only to Juul and Roed-Larsen but also to other prominent Norwegians with connections to Epstein, including Crown Princess Mette-Marit, who has publicly apologized for her links to the financier. As the investigation unfolds, it is likely to reveal further insights into the complex web of relationships surrounding Epstein and his associates in Norway.
