Politicians Caught in High-Profile Honey Trap Scandals

Per Sandberg: Norway’s Political Scandal

Per Sandberg, a veteran politician and member of Norway’s conservative Progress Party, found himself at the center of a scandal after traveling to Iran with his partner, Bahareh Letnes, in 2018. Letnes, born in Iran, became the focal point of public scrutiny after Sandberg posted photos of their trip to Iran on social media.

This seemingly innocent vacation ignited outrage within Norway’s political circles, especially from members of the Iranian exile community in Norway. They accused Sandberg of portraying Iran in a positive light and overlooking the regime’s human rights abuses. While not a classic honey trap, Sandberg’s association with Letnes and his perceived sympathies toward Iran led to political controversy, eventually causing him to step down from his position as Norway’s Fisheries Minister.

The Sandberg-Letnes incident highlights how personal relationships, especially with individuals from politically charged nations, can have serious implications for politicians, fueling suspicion and ultimately damaging careers.

February 10, 2022 | 7:41 pm