Paris prosecutors have created a special magistrates’ team to analyse evidence that could implicate French nationals in crimes linked to Jeffrey Epstein
French authorities announced on Saturday that a dedicated team of magistrates has been established to review evidence that may involve French nationals in crimes connected to convicted US sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The Paris prosecutor’s office said the unit would analyse
material recently released by US authorities and reassess existing cases that may warrant further action.
Re-examination of Jean-Luc Brunel case
Prosecutors confirmed that the case of former modelling agency executive Jean-Luc Brunel would be thoroughly reviewed. Brunel, described as a close associate of Epstein, was found dead in his Paris prison cell in 2022 after being charged with raping minors. The case against him was dropped in 2023 following his death, with no other individual charged.
According to prosecutors, an earlier investigation found Brunel to be “a close friend of Jeffrey Epstein” who offered modelling opportunities to young girls from disadvantaged backgrounds.
They stated that Brunel had engaged in sexual acts with underage girls in the United States, the US Virgin Islands, Paris and the south of France.
Ten women made accusations against Brunel, several alleging that they were encouraged to drink alcohol and subjected to forced sexual penetration, the prosecutor’s office said.
The newly formed team will work alongside the national financial crimes unit and police authorities to determine whether fresh investigations should be opened.
The aim is “to be able to extract any piece that could be usefully reused in a new investigative framework”, the prosecutor’s office said.
New cases under review
Several French public figures appear in the latest US Department of Justice release of Epstein-related documents. Prosecutors noted that inclusion in the documents does not automatically indicate any wrongdoing.
The office said it had been asked to examine three specific cases involving a French diplomat, a modeling agent, and a musician.
At the request of the foreign ministry, prosecutors are reviewing references to senior diplomat Fabrice Aidan in documents published by US authorities.
“An investigation is underway to gather various pieces of evidence that could substantiate this report,” the prosecutor’s office said.
A complaint has also been filed by a Swedish woman against Daniel Siad, described as a model recruiter with close ties to Epstein. She alleged “sexual acts that she describes as rape and that may have been committed in France in 1990”.
In addition, a complaint has been submitted against French conductor Frederic Chaslin alleging acts of sexual harassment in 2016.
Developments involving Jack Lang
The release of additional Epstein files has prompted former French minister Jack Lang to resign as head of the Arab World Institute.
Lang denied any wrongdoing and said he was “shocked” that his name appeared in the statutes of an offshore company founded by Epstein in 2016.
The office of the national financial prosecutor has opened a preliminary investigation into Lang and his daughter Caroline Lang for “aggravated tax fraud and money laundering”.
Following the announcement, Lang stepped down from the presidency of the Arab World Institute.
In an interview with La Tribune Dimanche, Lang said he was “white as snow” and described the allegations against him as “a tsunami of lies”. He also stated that he had been unaware of Epstein’s 2008 conviction for procuring a child for prostitution.
Epstein died in prison in 2019 while awaiting trial on charges of sex-trafficking underage girls. US authorities ruled his death a suicide.
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