**Norway Probes Senior State Officials’ Epstein Links**
Norway's parliament has initiated a public inquiry into the connections between the nation's political and diplomatic elite and the late Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender and financier. This investigation comes in the wake of recently released Epstein files by the U.S. Department of Justice, which have unveiled troubling associations between Epstein and numerous influential figures, including politicians and royals.
The inquiry will focus on eleven current and former foreign and development ministers, including Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, who held the position of foreign minister from 2005 to 2012. The parliamentary investigation is being led by the Standing Committee on Scrutiny and Constitutional Affairs, which is examining the Foreign Ministry's management of international aid funds, its internal oversight mechanisms, and the potential influence of personal relationships with Epstein on governmental decisions.
Committee member Jonas Andersen Sayed emphasized the importance of the government’s response to restore public trust in the foreign service, indicating that the inquiry aims to clarify the extent of Epstein's influence within Norway's political sphere.
One significant area of concern is Norway’s financial support for the International Peace Institute (IPI), which received approximately 130 million kroner (around $13.5 million) from the Foreign Ministry between 1997 and 2018. Terje Roed-Larsen, a prominent Norwegian diplomat who led the IPI from 2005 to 2020, is a key figure under scrutiny. Roed-Larsen is known for his role in the 1990s Middle East peace talks and as a principal architect of the 1993 Oslo Accords.
In addition to Roed-Larsen, former Prime Minister Thorbjørn Jagland and former diplomat Mona Juul are also under investigation by Norway's economic crime authority, Oekokrim. They are suspected of aggravated corruption, while Roed-Larsen faces allegations of complicity in aggravated corruption. All three individuals have publicly denied any wrongdoing.
Former Foreign Minister Børge Brende recently testified before the parliamentary committee. Brende stepped down from his role as president and CEO of the World Economic Forum in February, amid scrutiny regarding his connections to Epstein.
To further investigate the implications of the Epstein files, Norway's parliament has established an independent commission composed of academics and legal experts. This commission is tasked with examining the issues raised by the files and is expected to submit its findings by January 31, 2028.
As Norway, a nation known for its commitment to international diplomacy and the Nobel Peace Prize, grapples with these revelations, the inquiry represents a significant step in addressing potential misconduct and restoring public confidence in its political institutions. The ongoing investigations and the parliamentary inquiry reflect a broader trend of accountability for those in power, particularly in light of the serious allegations surrounding Epstein and his network.