New PET boss named

Jens Madsen takes the reins of domestic intelligence agency

Public prosecutor Jens Madsen has been named the new head of domestic intelligence agency PET.

The 45-year-old Madsen replaces Jakob Scharf, who stepped down amid scrutiny over the illegal prying into Pia Kjærsgaard's personal calendar. The same scandal also cost Morten Bødskov (S) the job of justice minister.

Madsen has served as the public prosecutor for economic crimes since September 2006 and in January 2013 also assumed leadership of the prosecution of international crimes. A press release from the Justice Ministry says that Madsen has focused on the financing of terror both domestically and abroad. 

Bødskov's replacement as justice minister, Karen Hækkerup (S), welcomed the new spy boss.

"Jens Madsen has the analytical, leadership and communication abilities needed to be the head of PET," she said in a statement. 

Madsen will assume his role on January 1, and will lead an organisation that will face further investigations over the Kjærsgaard affair and will also have to face questions about the recent revelations that PET refused to provide protection for former covert agent Morten Storm.

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