Epstein Scandal in France: Special Investigative Unit to Examine Links of French Citizens

The Paris prosecutor's office announced the establishment of a special unit of magistrates, whose task will be a detailed analysis of files related to pedophilia and human trafficking within the network of Jeffrey Epstein. This decision is a direct consequence of the publication by the U.S. Department of Justice of an extensive collection of documents, comprising approximately three million pages. French investigators intend to verify whether citizens of their country participated in the criminal enterprise or were witnesses to illegal acts on French territory and abroad. The prosecutor's office emphasized that the scope of the investigation will include not only sexual crimes but also possible financial manipulations linked to the flow of Epstein's capital. A key element of the new phase of proceedings is the decision to conduct a full analysis of the dossier concerning Jean-Luc Brunel. This once-influential modeling agent and close associate of Epstein was accused of raping minors, but his suicide in the Paris prison La Santé in February 2022 led to the discontinuation of proceedings in 2023. Currently, investigators, with new evidence from the U.S., want to verify whether in Brunel's case there remain unresolved threads concerning other perpetrators or accomplices. The Epstein scandal erupted with full force in 2019 after his arrest in the USA, and his death in a cell sparked numerous conspiracy theories regarding the protection of influential individuals involved in the scandal. Also under the scrutiny of investigators is the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, known as Quai d’Orsay, in connection with suspicions against diplomat Fabrice Aidan. French media point to growing political pressure and the fears of elites about the disclosure of further names from the circle of acquaintances of the American financier. The team of judges will analyze elements that may implicate French citizens following the publication by the United States of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein. Cooperation between the Paris Prosecutor's Office and the National Financial Prosecutor's Office (PNF) aims for a multi-dimensional strike against the network of connections. Investigators have already received at least three new reports, which could become the basis for initiating separate proceedings. The case arouses great public emotion, especially in the context of previous allegations against former culture minister Jack Lang, whose name also appeared in the context of Epstein's documents, although he himself firmly denies any abuses.3 million — pages of U.S. files now being examined by French investigatorsDevelopment of the French Thread of the Epstein Scandal: — ; — ; — ; — ; —