Prosecutors have dropped all charges against the last remaining suspect in the Anne-Elisabeth Hagen disappearance investigation. The case was closed with the strongest dismissal code available, indicating no criminal conduct could be proven.
This decision represents a qualified acquittal. Authorities concluded the man is innocent of all allegations. Police now acknowledge they were wrong to suspect him initially.
His defense attorney stated the conclusion should have come sooner. He said investigators determined the suspicion was incorrect and the charges were improper.
Anne-Elisabeth Hagen vanished from her Lørenskog home in autumn 2018. Lørenskog is a municipality near Oslo, Norway's capital. With this dismissal, no suspects remain in the high-profile investigation.
The lead prosecutor confirmed the investigation will continue despite no active suspects. She noted dedicated resources and regular activity continue across multiple investigative areas.
This marks the fourth dismissed case in the disappearance investigation. Last year, charges were dropped against Hagen's husband Tom Hagen. Earlier this year, prosecutors also dismissed cases against two other men, including one known as the 'crypto man.'
Friday marks seven years since Anne-Elisabeth Hagen disappeared from her home. The case continues to generate significant public interest across Norway.
Investigators confirmed they continue working on multiple fronts. They're reviewing all existing information based on current circumstances. No new charges are expected in the immediate future.
The repeated dismissal of suspects raises questions about the investigation's direction. After seven years and four cleared individuals, the case appears no closer to resolution.