The prosecutors believe that a 50-year-old man has moved at least NOK 500 million out of Norway, all stemming from crime: gross fraud, money laundering and identity theft.

There is talk of money laundering from several different criminal circles. It is profits that have come into his hands from both drug crime, labour crime and loan fraud, says state attorney Peter Andre Johansen.

The man denies criminal guilt, says his defender, lawyer Bernt Heiberg.

If there are criminal persons who have used his services, then he is no more responsible than any other bank would be, says Heiberg.

Since January 2020, the 50-year-old has been in custody, while the police have investigated this very extensive criminal case.

The Oslo district court has set aside a full four months for the case, which is scheduled from 22 August until 22 December. (NTB)

It is rare that a person is prosecuted for such a high amount. But it identifies how large sums are moved out of Norway via the hawala system.