NDMA statement regarding ongoing Økokrim investigation

On Thursday 23 April 2026, the Norwegian National Authority for Investigation and Prosecution of Economic and Environmental Crime (Økokrim) announced that they had charged two employees of the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency (NDMA), including the Director of Procurement, as well as one external consultant, with aggravated breach of financial trust.

The matter was initially identified by the NDMA through its own internal review mechanisms and subsequently examined by internal auditors, who recommended that the case be referred to Økokrim. The case concerns irregularities linked to the contracting of the external consultant under investigation and is not connected to the NDMA’s broader procurement activities or major acquisition programmes. 

“This is a very demanding situation, both for those concerned and for the NDMA. The Director of the Procurement Division is among those charged, and the two others are also affiliated with that division,” said Director General of the NDMA, Gro Jære. 

The NDMA manages a large and complex portfolio of investments on behalf of the Norwegian Armed Forces, and acts as the primary advisor to the Armed Forces and the Ministry of Defence on issues related to defence materiel and procurement. Ensuring robust governance, transparency and trust in these processes is a fundamental priority. The fact that the matter was identified through internal controls reflects the strength of these systems and the agency’s commitment to addressing potential irregularities. 

At this stage, the NDMA is actively working to limit any impact from these developments on its daily operations and ongoing projects. 

The NDMA is cooperating fully with the relevant authorities and will continue to follow up the matter internally as appropriate.