A Norwegian shipping executive has quit after being charged with surreptitious filming during the Arendalsuka economic gathering in Norway in August.

TradeWinds’ sister newspaper DN reported that one of its reporters staying at a flat in Arendal discovered a hidden camera disguised as a speaker in the bathroom.

Domestic media reported that John Anders Lindtveit Rose is now facing charges for sexually offensive behaviour.

Police prosecutor Geir Magne Softeland said in a press release that Lindtveit Rose admitted the Arendalsuka offence during a four-hour interview.

He resigned from his position as general manager at Maritimt Forum, an organisation representing shipping in Norway.

Filming is also alleged to have taken place while he held a “position of trust” in the Christian Democratic Party (KrF).

Lindtveit Rose is married to KrF deputy leader Ida Lindtveit Rose.

He was sharing a flat with a politician, two colleagues and the DN journalist in Arendal.

DN reported police have searched the home of the married couple.

VG reported the camera contained material dating back several years on a memory card.

Media named him due to his connections to the political party.

‘Deep crisis’

Ida Lindtveit Rose has said she and her family have recently been in a “deep crisis” as a result of her husband’s actions.

“As everyone understands, this is a very demanding matter for us as a family. What he has done is serious and for me incomprehensible,” she added.

Maritimt Forum has 700 members and was formed in 1990 by the Norwegian Shipowners’ Association, Norwegian Shipbrokers’ Association, DNV and what is today called Norsk Industri.

Lindtveit Rose was previously a political adviser at the Norwegian Shipowners’ Association.

Lawyer Alexander Nyheim Jensen said his client is “prepared to cooperate with the police in order to clarify all aspects of the case, including putting all the cards on the table and acknowledging the facts”.

He added: “My client is primarily very sorry and ashamed of the case, and wants to contribute to a quick, orderly and fair clarification in the legal system for the sake of those affected.

“My client acknowledges that he is ill, he is on sick leave and is currently undergoing treatment. The situation can be regarded as a life crisis and is experienced as very stressful for my client.”

Maritimt Forum has been contacted for comment. Fride Solbakken has now been appointed general manager.