Norwegian prosecutors push back on defense claims in Epstein-linked corruption probe

Norway's economic crime authority, Økokrim, has stated that its corruption investigation involving former diplomats Mona Juul and Terje Rød-Larsen is significantly more extensive than defense attorney John Christian Elden suggested. First State Prosecutor Marianne Bender noted that the high-priority probe faces delays while waiting for international legal assistance, particularly responses from authorities in the United States.

Investigators are also examining an Oslo apartment connected to the couple as part of their inquiries. Juul faces charges of gross corruption, while Rød-Larsen is charged with complicity; both deny any criminal wrongdoing. Publicly addressing his past relationship with late financier Jeffrey Epstein, Rød-Larsen stated, "Jeg beklager i dag dypt det forholdet jeg hadde til Epstein," adding that he should have severed contact earlier. Meanwhile, Økokrim faces additional procedural hurdles across its broader caseload due to handling classified defense documents.

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