Norwegian prosecutors clarify extent of corruption probe into former diplomats

Norway's economic crime agency, Økokrim, has rejected assertions by defence counsel John Christian Elden minimizing the corruption probe into former diplomats Mona Juul and Terje Rød-Larsen, clarifying that the case is far more extensive. First State Prosecutor Marianne Bender confirmed the high-priority investigation involves international police cooperation and faces delays while awaiting formal responses from US authorities.

Investigators are also examining an Oslo apartment linked to the couple. Juul is charged with gross corruption and Rød-Larsen with complicity; both deny wrongdoing. Rød-Larsen recently expressed regret over his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, stating, "Jeg beklager i dag dypt det forholdet jeg hadde til Epstein," and adding he should have cut ties earlier.

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