A lawyer who assisted Terje Rød-Larsen with a property purchase in 2018 has resigned from his position as head of the Financial Supervisory Authority's appeals board following concerns over potential reputational damage after the release of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein.
Kåre Idar Moljord, the lawyer who facilitated Terje Rød-Larsen's property purchase in 2018, has stepped down from his role as the head of the Financial Supervisory Authority's appeals board, as confirmed by Norway's Ministry of Finance in a statement to NRK. His resignation comes in the wake of revelations from the Epstein files, which showed that Epstein pressured businessman Morits Skaugen into selling a property to Rød-Larsen at a price below market value.
The Ministry of Finance noted that Moljord's decision was made in the interest of preserving the integrity and reputation of the appeals board, indicating that his continued leadership could be compromised by unrelated matters stemming from the Epstein case. This action underscores the importance of ethical standards in financial oversight positions and reflects a proactive approach to avoid any conflicts of interest or the appearance of impropriety.
Moljord's resignation highlights the ongoing impact of the Epstein scandal, not only on individuals directly involved but also on broader institutional frameworks. The Financial Supervisory Authority is tasked with ensuring compliance and fostering trust in financial practices, making it imperative that its leadership maintains a clear distance from controversial figures and events. The Department's acceptance of his resignation shows a commitment to upholding public trust in financial oversight in Norway.
