In Norway, the Control Committee in Parliament is initiating a process to establish an investigative committee to look into connections to the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The committee, chaired by Per-Willy Amundsen from the Progress Party (Frp), aims to formally approve the start of this process in their upcoming meeting. This development follows disclosures from documents related to Epstein that implicated prominent figures such as former ambassador Mona Juul and her husband, Terje Rød-Larsen, in controversial dealings.

The investigation by Økokrim, Norway's National Authority for Investigation and Prosecution of Economic and Environmental Crime, has arisen due to revelations about Juul and Rød-Larsen's purchase of a luxury apartment in Frogner, supposedly negotiated by Epstein at a significantly reduced price. The circumstances surrounding this sale have raised questions about corruption, prompting Økokrim to charge Juul with gross corruption and Rød-Larsen with aiding and abetting. The inquiry and the formation of the investigative committee reflect a serious effort by Norwegian authorities to address allegations of misconduct involving influential figures.

Juul has already stepped down from her ambassadorial role amidst these allegations, indicating the gravity of the situation. The Control Committee's actions highlight an ongoing examination of how political and social elites interact, especially in relation to scandals like that of Epstein. This incident not only brings to light potential corruption within the higher echelons of Norwegian society but also raises crucial discussions about accountability and governance, as the country seeks to uphold its standards amidst growing scrutiny.