Økokrim, Norway’s Authority for Investigation and Prosecution of Economic Crime, confirms that it has charged former ambassador Mona Juul and her husband Terje Rød-Larsen with gross corruption.

According to Økokrim, a decision was made last week to open an investigation into the couple. Juul has been charged with gross corruption, while Rød-Larsen has been charged with aiding and abetting gross corruption.

Following a court decision, Økokrim today carried out a search of the couple’s apartment in Oslo’s leafy Frogner district. A search has also been conducted at a witness’s premises.

“We have opened an investigation to establish whether any criminal offences have been committed. We are facing a comprehensive and, by all accounts, lengthy investigation,” says Økokrim director Pål Lønseth.

The charge against Juul relates to her previous positions in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Økokrim will, among other things, investigate whether any improper benefits were received in connection with her official duties.

Økokrim also states that work on the Epstein files is continuing. As is known, an investigation has already been opened into former Prime Minister, former chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, and former Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Thorbjørn Jagland.