Norwegian Diplomat Resigns Over Ties to Jeffrey Epstein

The Norwegian Ambassador to Jordan and Iraq, 66-year-old Mona Juul, has stepped down following the release of information regarding her links to the late American financier Jeffrey Epstein. The Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued an official statement regarding the resignation.

According to documents released by the U.S. Department of Justice, the diplomat’s two children were named as beneficiaries in Epstein’s will, receiving substantial sums of money. Following the disclosure of these facts, Ambassador Juul held consultations with the leadership of the Ministry and made the decision to voluntarily resign.

Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide described the move as "correct and necessary." He stated that Juul's contacts with Epstein "demonstrate serious errors in judgment." The Minister noted that this situation has undermined the trust essential for fulfilling her diplomatic duties.

Investigation records show that shortly before committing suicide in a New York prison in August 2019, Jeffrey Epstein signed a will mentioning Mona Juul’s children, Emma and Edward. According to the documents, each child was bequeathed $5 million USD.

Juul’s husband, 78-year-old prominent politician and diplomat Terje Rod-Larsen, is also implicated in the scandal. He previously resigned as head of the International Peace Institute (IPI) after it was revealed that the organization had received €650,000 in donations from foundations linked to Epstein.

The Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs is currently conducting an inquiry into the following:

• The extent of Mona Juul's contacts with Epstein during her tenure at the Ministry.
• The targeted use of budget funds allocated by the Ministry to the International Peace Institute (IPI).

Mona Juul maintains that she met Epstein solely in a professional capacity and that their subsequent contact was minimal. However, Norwegian media outlets report that Rod-Larsen had "personal financial relationships" with the financier. The former diplomat has pledged to cooperate fully with the ongoing investigation.