The National Security Authority is in crisis after taking up what is described as an illegal loan from John Fredriksen-controlled Norwegian Property in Fornebu. The loan agreement totaling NOK 200 million meant that former NSM director Sofie Nystrøm resigned on 8 December. The loan is referred to by the Ministry of Justice as a “grey market loan”. Today, a new, temporary manager was appointed to clean things up. Lars Christian Aamodt was until October this year head of the Norwegian Armed Forces’ logistics organisation. In 2021, he led a relocation process to the KLP-owned office building Lysaker Torg 45. “It was a very long time ago” According to an overview Forsvarsbygg has prepared for news, 3 different lease agreements were entered into with “financing of adaptation works through the lease” during the period Aamodt was head of FLO. Two agreements are dated 15 October 2021, and a further agreement was concluded on 2 January this year. In this KLP-owned building at Lysaker Torg 45, the Norwegian Defense Logistics Organization moved under Lars Christian Aamodt’s management. According to Forsvarsbygg, the lease contains elements of financing. Photo: KLP Aamodt confirms to news that money was borrowed. – We moved to Lysaker and I was head of the Norwegian Armed Forces’ logistics organisation, and we rented that premises. But I cannot comment on the details of the contract. – You don’t remember how much money you borrowed? – No, it was a very long time ago. – Do you think that it could become a problem for you, that you have dealt with the type of leases that are now being investigated? – I do not think so. But I would also like to believe that when the committee (which will examine the NSM case, editor’s note) delivers its assessment, they look at the specific case but also make a more general consideration regarding the renting of civil buildings and facilities. And then surely what other government agencies have done will be subject to audit. Long experience from the Defense Ministry of Justice has used the last week and a half to find a new leader. Aamodt is originally trained as a pilot and has, among other things, been commander of the 338 fighter squadron and commander of the Operations Group at Ørland main air station. He has been Norwegian national force commander in Afghanistan, and earlier this autumn resigned as head of the Norwegian Armed Forces’ logistics organisation. He now comes from KPMG where he worked as a consultant. – I look forward to this period and to contributing to NSM’s ability to deliver on its very important social mission. At the same time, I will ensure that the external committee receives the information they need to make their assessments and recommend measures. I also want to use this period to ensure that NSM has a good foundation to build on in a security-politically demanding time, says Aamodt in the press release announcing him as the new chief. Former director Sofie Nystrøm resigned with immediate effect on Friday 8 December.
ttn-69
New NSM boss borrowed money from landlord in his previous job – news Norway – Overview of news from different parts of the country
