On board a Norwegian sailing boat in the Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of South America, a Norwegian citizen is said to have been subjected to an attempted murder. Another Norwegian is now wanted internationally in the case.
Published:
Less than 40 minutes ago
Updated less than 10 minutes ago
Kripos confirms to VG that they are investigating the case.
It was an acquaintance of the victim who at the end of July contacted the Main Rescue Center (HRS) in southern Norway to ask for help.
– We received a message from an acquaintance. We managed to get in touch with the emergency support, and launched a rescue operation with the help of a rescue center in South America, says operational inspector Andreas Nesheim in HRS to VG.
Shipped to Norway
Kripos informs VG that they are investigating an attempted murder on board a Norwegian sailboat in the Atlantic.
– A rescue operation was launched and the victim in the case was transported to a hospital in French Guiana. The person is now in Norway. We know where the accused are located, but do not want to disclose where this is, says investigation manager Anja Perminow Straand in Kripos to VG.
The accused pleads not guilty. His Norwegian lawyer Øyvind Bratlien tells VG, who has been in contact with the Norwegian. Beyond that, he has no comment on the matter at this time.
French Guyana is a former French colony where around 300,000 inhabitants live. Today it is considered an integral part of the French Republic. The citizens have their own representatives in the French National Assembly.
Both the accused and the victim in the case are known to the Norwegian police from before.
– We are in dialogue with the local police about follow-up and further investigative steps in the case. The accused is wanted internationally, says Straand.
The satellite image shows French Guiana, which borders Suriname and Brazil. Photo: Planet Observer/REX/NTB
Being investigated in Norway
Kripos is regularly involved in cases affecting Norwegian citizens abroad.
– When the incident has affected a Norwegian citizen on board a Norwegian-registered boat in international waters, the case is to be considered Norwegian. That is why Kripos has launched an investigation, and we are cooperating with other countries’ police authorities through Interpol in this case, says Straand.
Kripos states that they were notified of the case by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in addition to the Main Rescue Center in Southern Norway.
VG has been in contact with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. They state that they are familiar with the matter, and refer onward to Kripos for comment.
– We received information that something criminal might have happened, which is why we chose to inform Kripos, says Nesheim in the main rescue centre.
He states that the victim was rescued by a civilian ship with the support of a rescue helicopter from the area – and then taken to hospital.
– Rescue cooperation works well across the Atlantic. We are satisfied with the outcome of the action, he says to VG.
VG has so far not been successful in getting in touch with the victim’s legal representative.
Published:
Published: 14.08.23 at 18:43
Updated: 14.08.23 at 19:10
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2023-08-14 16:43:47
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