Norwegian authorities are investigating two prominent diplomats for their connections to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, according to reports. Monu Juul, who resigned from her post as ambassador to Jordan and Iraq on Sunday, is under investigation by Norway’s financial crimes unit, Økokrim, for suspected serious corruption during her tenure at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Her husband, Terje Rød-Larsen, former diplomat and ex-president of the International Peace Institute (IPI), is being investigated for alleged complicity in serious corruption. Økokrim Director Pål Lønseth confirmed that a broad and long-term investigation has been launched to determine whether criminal actions occurred.
“Among other things, Økokrim will examine whether Juul benefited from her position,” Lønseth said.
Both Juul and Rød-Larsen have pledged full cooperation with authorities through their lawyers and maintain that the allegations are unfounded.
The couple were among the small group of diplomats involved in facilitating the Oslo Accords (1993–1995). They are the latest high-profile Norwegians linked to Epstein’s files, which have drawn significant attention in Norway due to Epstein’s connections to Crown Princess Mette-Marit and other prominent figures.
Documents released by the US Department of Justice indicate that Juul and Rød-Larsen’s children received $10 million from Epstein, and that Rød-Larsen was briefly named as an executor of Epstein’s estate in 2017 (appointment later revoked). The couple reportedly visited Epstein’s private island with their children in 2011, with Rød-Larsen later praising the trip in emails as “completely unique.”
Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide described Juul’s contacts with Epstein as revealing a “serious failure in judgment”, making it difficult to maintain trust in her high-ranking position. Juul is scheduled to provide testimony to Økokrim this week and will fully cooperate with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ investigation.
Rød-Larsen’s lawyer confirmed the investigation into alleged complicity in corruption between 2011 and 2018, related to a property transfer in 2018 and a possible 2011 trip. Rød-Larsen has apologized multiple times for his connections to Epstein and resigned as IPI executive director in 2020.
