Norway Police Close Case Against Tycoon in Wife’s Disappearance
In a surprising turn of events, Norwegian authorities have decided to drop the case against a real estate tycoon who was under suspicion of murder or complicity in connection with his wife’s disappearance almost six years ago. The police initially reported that Anne-Elizabeth Falkevik Hagen, 68, had been abducted from her home on October 31, 2018. Her husband, Tom Hagen, a low-profile real estate investor and one of Norway’s wealthiest individuals, was arrested in April 2020 while on his way to work as suspicions against him grew stronger.
The case had captured the attention of the small Scandinavian nation with a population of 5.3 million, known for its low rates of violent crime. Tom Hagen was released in May 2020 due to insufficient evidence to continue detaining him, and he has consistently maintained his innocence throughout the investigation. Despite being considered a suspect by the police, it was confirmed on Friday that the case against him has been officially closed.
Police spokeswoman Vibeke Schøyen stated in a news conference broadcasted on Norwegian media that there is no evidence linking Tom Hagen to his wife’s disappearance. The Norwegian Prosecution Authority has also concluded that there is no substantial proof of any criminal activity. The extensive investigation included nearly 700 interviews, over 26,000 tips, more than 6,000 hours of video surveillance, and thorough technical examinations.
Tom Hagen, who married the woman when he was 19, last saw her at their home in Loerenskog, east of Oslo on Halloween 2018. The case was not made public by the police until January 9, 2019, leading to a flood of tips and information from the public. Reports emerged that a ransom of 9 million euros was demanded for her release, with payment requested in cryptocurrency.
Despite releasing security footage of individuals outside Hagen’s workplace post his wife’s disappearance, and extensive searches around their residence, no trace of Anne-Elizabeth Falkevik Hagen has been found. The police revised their main hypothesis in June 2019, stating that they believe she was likely killed, and suspected a possible staged kidnapping to conceal the crime. Notably, police noted that the case remains open as they look into three unidentified suspects.
Tom Hagen’s journey from being the second-oldest of 12 siblings on a farm to establishing a successful real estate business in 1978 adds a layer of complexity to this mysterious case. While the legal proceedings might have concluded for now, the questions surrounding the disappearance of Anne-Elizabeth Falkevik Hagen continue to linger, leaving a cloud of uncertainty over the wealthy tycoon’s life.