Norwegian economic crime authority expands probe into former diplomats

Norway's economic crime agency, Økokrim, has rejected assertions from defense counsel regarding its high-profile corruption probe into former diplomats Mona Juul and Terje Rød-Larsen. First State Prosecutor Marianne Bender emphasized that the investigation is significantly more complex than suggested by defense attorney John Christian Elden. The delay in proceedings stems largely from pending responses to international legal assistance requests, particularly from authorities in the United States regarding links to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein.

Investigators are also examining an Oslo residential property connected to the couple. Juul faces charges of gross corruption, while Rød-Larsen is charged with complicity; both deny wrongdoing. Rød-Larsen recently expressed regret over his association, stating, "Jeg beklager i dag dypt det forholdet jeg hadde til Epstein," adding he should have severed ties earlier. Separately, Økokrim faces procedural hurdles in a distinct defense procurement corruption case involving classified documents.

Sources: Aftenposten, Dagens Næringsliv, Finansavisen, NRK, TV 2 Nyheter