Teigen is charged with having fraudulently obtained a commuter apartment he was not entitled to as a political adviser to Sylvi Listhaug. Now he has reversed his position.
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Published: 13.12.2024 16:00 | Updated: 13.12.2024 18:12
he saved nearly 400,000 kroner from this, according to the state prosecutor.
In June, he was indicted for gross fraud. The case begins in Oslo District Court on Tuesday.
According to the indictment, Teigen did not live more than 40 kilometers away from the Parliament, as required by law to receive a free commuter apartment.
The state prosecutor believes he also did not have expenses for housing elsewhere, as required.
Aftenposten has documents showing that he checked off for both parts in a form he submitted to the Prime Minister’s Office in 2017.
Teigen has previously said that he does not admit to criminal guilt and that he is shocked by the charge.
But on Friday, he has changed his mind. In a statement, he now says that he admits guilt.
– I have realized the mistake I made. The best for me and everyone else now is that I take obligation for what has happened, he says in the statement.
– We have prepared the case in the usual way, and he has given a good explanation for why he wants to put this behind him and not fight the case in court, says defence attorney Øystein Storrvik to Aftenposten.
Claimed he rented from a deceased friend
Teigen has previously admitted that he “screwed up” by being to poor at documenting the lease and expenses.
In February 2016, he was appointed as a political adviser for Sylvi Listhaug. He has also explained that he had a girlfriend in Trondheim during this period and that he commuted between the two cities.
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revealed by the Tax Authority
Teigen’s case was not detected when Aftenposten in 2021 uncovered meaningful weaknesses in the control of the commuter apartment scheme.
It was first uncovered when the Tax Authority began it’s own review following the revelations.In November 2022,the Tax Authority increased Teigen’s taxable income for 2016–2018 by 395,411 kroner.
In an interview with Aftenposten this summer, Teigen said he has since paid over 300,000 in additional taxes. He said he paid even though he believes he is innocent because he coudl not afford to sue the tax Authority.
– Incredibly stupid
– At that time, I was allocated a commuter apartment that I shoudl not have received.It was incredibly stupid of me, and I have realized my mistake – and take responsibility for what I did, he says in the statement.
– I admit that I made a massive mistake, and I take responsibility for it. I am wholly flat. There is nothing more to say.
Asks for forgiveness
Teigen says the case has cost him dearly, both personally and professionally.
– I hope you forgive me, and I apologize to all those I have disappointed so deeply. It hurts terribly, he adds.
Teigen was the brain behind the infamous Facebook post from Sylvi Listhaug stating that “Labor believes terrorists’ rights are more important than national security.” The post led to Listhaug resigning as Minister of justice.
– It would be incredibly disappointing if someone who has worked for me were to be convicted of such a serious matter, she said.
Commuter apartment revelations
The Parliament owns 143 apartments in central Oslo. They are intended to meet a genuine commuting need for Members of Parliament.
The only one indicted in the commuter housing case
In the period after he finished as an advisor for Listhaug, Teigen has worked as a journalist, among others at Nettavisen and Trønder-Avisa. He has positioned himself to write articles about public waste.
Teigen now works as a journalist at Document.no.
In the statement, Teigen emphasizes that over 30 politicians in Norway have broken the rules, and that none of them have been held accountable.
– I am the only one who has been indicted for receiving a commuter apartment nearly ten years ago. This reflects a significant lack of culture, which is long overdue to be addressed. I want to use this experience to ensure a critical eye on what is happening among politicians in Norway, he writes.
How could Teigen’s case impact future legal accountability for public officials in Norway?
Interview Between time.news Editor and Legal Expert on Teigen Case
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome to our discussion today.We’re diving into the intriguing case of Teigen, who has been indicted for fraud in relation to a commuter apartment he allegedly wrongfully obtained. We have Dr. Marianne Voss,a legal expert specializing in public law,with us to shed light on this matter. Dr.Voss, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Marianne Voss (DMV): Thank you for having me. It’s a fascinating and complex case that raises significant legal and ethical questions.
TNE: Let’s start with the basics. Teigen was initially indicted for gross fraud,accused of misrepresenting his residence status to acquire a commuter apartment. Can you elaborate on the specific legal requirements that led to his indictment?
DMV: Absolutely. According to Norwegian law, to qualify for a free commuter apartment, one must live more than 40 kilometers away from Parliament and demonstrate housing expenses elsewhere. The state prosecutor alleges that Teigen did not meet these criteria, as he lived near the Parliament and lacked legitimate housing expenses in another location.
TNE: It’s engaging to note that Teigen initially expressed shock at the charges, claiming he did not admit guilt. However, he has now reversed his stance and acknowledged his guilt. What does this shift indicate from a legal viewpoint?
DMV: The change in his position suggests a strategic decision to mitigate potential penalties he may face in court. By admitting guilt, he may be attempting to cooperate with the authorities and possibly seek a more lenient sentence. This is often seen in cases where defendants recognize the weight of the evidence against them.
TNE: In his statement, Teigen mentioned realizing his mistakes and wanting to take obligation for what has transpired. How common is it for defendants to make such admissions, and what impact can it have on legal proceedings?
DMV: It’s not uncommon for individuals facing legal challenges to eventually admit fault. Such admissions can influence how the court views the defendant’s character and intentions. It may also lead to plea deals or lesser sentences, especially if the defendant shows remorse and takes obligation.
TNE: Teigen also mentioned that he “screwed up” by failing to document his lease and expenses adequately. In legal terms,how crucial is documentation in cases like this?
DMV: Documentation is paramount in legal disputes involving financial claims. Proper records serve as evidence of compliance with laws and regulations. In Teigen’s case, the lack of adequate documentation undermines his defense, as it casts doubt on his claims of eligibility for the commuter apartment.
TNE: despite his change in plea, there are indications that his defense team believes he has a good clarification for his actions. What would constitute a valid defense in this case?
DMV: A valid defense might hinge on factors such as lack of intention to commit fraud or misinterpretation of the law. If he can demonstrate that he genuinely believed he met the requirements for the apartment,it may lessen the perceived severity of his actions.
TNE: Lastly, as the court proceedings approach, what can we expect? How will the legal community be watching this case unfold?
DMV: The legal community will be closely monitoring the trial because it could set precedents regarding the handling of similar cases involving public officials and fraud. The outcomes could influence public policy on accountability among goverment employees and the stringent requirements for documentation. It’s a case that raises broader questions about ethics in public service.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Voss, for yoru insights into this developing situation. It’s certainly a complex case that highlights vital issues within our legal and political frameworks.
DMV: Thank you for having me. I look forward to seeing how this case unfolds and its implications for public trust in leadership.
TNE: And thank you to our audience for tuning in. Stay informed with Time.news as we continue to explore this and other significant stories.