As evidence mounts in the form of emails, transactions, and witness statements, the key to whether Norway’s societal elite are above the law is now held by Økokrim, Norway’s Authority for Investigation and Prosecution of Economic Crime.

The police and prosecution authorities confirm they are assessing whether there are grounds to launch an investigation into Thorbjørn Jagland, Mona Juul, and Terje Rød-Larsen following the revelations in the Epstein files, Klassekampen reports.

The documents from the US Department of Justice describe transactions and services that, according to experts, appear as “textbook examples of corruption”. The question is no longer whether an exchange of money and services has taken place, but whether Økokrim dares to touch the matter.

Dubious property purchases and threats

Perhaps the most concrete lead for a potential corruption investigation is the property transaction involving the diplomat couple Terje Rød-Larsen and Mona Juul. In 2018, they secured a luxury flat in Frogner for 14 million kroner – a price described as “half price” compared to the valuation.

It is Jeffrey Epstein’s role as intermediary that makes the case explosive for Økokrim. The seller, shipping magnate Morits Skaugen, has stated that the sale was not voluntary and described the meeting with Epstein as “bloody awful”. In his own notes, Epstein wrote that “the noose is tightening” in connection with the deal.

If a Norwegian ambassador and top diplomat have exploited a criminal financier’s coercive tools to acquire private property at a knockdown price, this falls under the Penal Code’s provisions on gross corruption or influence trading. In addition, the couple must answer for why their children were bequeathed 100 million kroner in Epstein’s will, as well as the receipt of expensive gifts such as Apple watches and luxury holidays.

Jagland’s “services” in Russia

For Thorbjørn Jagland, the link between private financial benefits and his public offices is central to Økokrim’s assessment. The documents show that Jagland asked Epstein for a loan of ten million kroner for a property purchase, while Epstein planned holidays for him worth half a million kroner.

The quid pro quo appears to have been access. Jagland is said to have assisted Epstein in making contact with Russian authorities and provided advice on investments in Russia. Aage Borchgrevink of the Helsinki Committee is crystal clear:

– It is absolutely clear that Thorbjørn Jagland should be investigated for corruption. He talks about arranging a meeting with Putin, while at the same time it appears he has accepted services and holidays.

Økokrim ponders its next move

While the Foreign Ministry has for now relieved Mona Juul of her duties to review the case internally, it is Økokrim’s decision that will determine the seriousness.

With three million pages of documentation, concrete sums of money, and witness statements about coercion, dismissing the case without investigation would appear as confirmation that different rules apply to the diplomatic elite than to ordinary citizens. The matter now lies on Økokrim’s desk.