Norwegian Diplomats Under Investigation for Epstein Connections
Published 9 February 2026
Highlights
- Norwegian diplomats Mona Juul and Terje Rød-Larsen are under investigation for alleged links to Jeffrey Epstein, with Juul resigning from her ambassadorial role.
- The Økokrim, Norway's financial crimes unit, is probing potential "gross corruption" involving Juul's position at the foreign ministry.
- Juul and Rød-Larsen's children were reportedly named in Epstein's will, raising questions about their connections.
- The investigation has sparked widespread attention in Norway, involving other prominent figures like Crown Princess Mette-Marit.
- Both diplomats deny wrongdoing, with their lawyers expressing confidence in the investigation's outcome.
Norwegian authorities have launched an investigation into two prominent diplomats, Mona Juul and her husband Terje Rød-Larsen, over their alleged connections to the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The investigation, led by Norway's financial crimes unit Økokrim, centers on potential "gross corruption" linked to Juul's former role as ambassador to Jordan and Iraq.
Diplomatic Ties Under Scrutiny
Mona Juul, who resigned from her ambassadorial position on Sunday, is being investigated for possibly receiving benefits connected to her diplomatic role. Her husband, Terje Rød-Larsen, a former diplomat and president of the International Peace Institute, is also under scrutiny for complicity in these alleged acts. The investigation follows revelations from the Epstein files, released by the US Department of Justice, which suggest that Juul and Rød-Larsen's children were named in Epstein's will, potentially receiving $10 million.
A Broader Scandal
The investigation has sent ripples through Norway, drawing in other high-profile figures such as Crown Princess Mette-Marit, who has publicly apologized for her past association with Epstein. Former Prime Minister Thorbjørn Jagland and Borge Brende, chief executive of the World Economic Forum, are also implicated, with Brende acknowledging multiple meetings with Epstein.
Legal and Personal Repercussions
Both Juul and Rød-Larsen have denied any wrongdoing, with their legal representatives expressing confidence that the investigation will clear their names. Juul's lawyer, Thomas Skjelbred, described the allegations as serious but welcomed the opportunity for them to be formally addressed. Meanwhile, Norway's foreign minister, Espen Barth Eide, criticized Juul's judgment, stating that her actions have compromised the trust required for her diplomatic role.
What this might mean
The ongoing investigation could have significant legal and political implications for Norway, potentially affecting the careers of those involved and the country's diplomatic reputation. If the allegations are substantiated, it may lead to legal consequences for Juul and Rød-Larsen, as well as further scrutiny of Norway's diplomatic community. The case also highlights the broader impact of the Epstein scandal, which continues to unravel connections across global political and social spheres. As the investigation progresses, it will be crucial to monitor how these developments influence public trust in Norway's institutions and its international relations.
