Polish authorities have taken decisive steps to clarify the domestic threads of the Jeffrey Epstein scandal. The National Prosecutor's Office and the Ministry of Justice have appointed separate teams to investigate the activities of an international criminal group. The investigation focuses on the years 2005–2018, during which minors were allegedly recruited under the pretext of a modeling career. Prime Minister Donald Tusk described the practice as a crime against humanity, pledging full cooperation with the U.S. Department of Justice.

Appointment of Investigative Team No. 5

Three prosecutors will investigate Polish threads of human trafficking and the recruitment of minors between 2005–2018 under the cover of modeling work.

Cooperation with the USA

Polish investigators will contact the U.S. Department of Justice to exchange evidence regarding the Epstein network.

Prime Minister's reaction

Donald Tusk called the practice a crime against humanity, promising a full explanation of the role of Polish citizens in this scheme.

The authorities of the Republic of Poland have officially initiated procedures aimed at fully clarifying the involvement of Polish citizens and the activities of structures linked to Jeffrey Epstein on Polish territory. Minister of Justice Waldemar Żurek, by an regulation dated February 20, appointed an analytical-coordination team. Simultaneously, within the National Prosecutor's Office, Investigative Team No. 5 was established, comprising three experienced public prosecutors. Their task will be to conduct preparatory proceedings in the case of human trafficking. The investigation covers a broad timeframe, focusing on the years 2005–2018. According to preliminary findings, an organized criminal group allegedly used the mechanism of so-called "talent scouting" in the fashion industry to reach young women and minors. The victims, misled about the nature of the cooperation, were then allegedly sexually exploited within Epstein's international network. The prosecutor's office intends to request legal assistance from the American side to gain access to previously unpublished evidence secured in New York and the Virgin Islands. The Jeffrey Epstein scandal, involving the American financier accused of human trafficking and pedophilia, shook world public opinion after his death in custody in 2019. Since then, investigators from many countries have been examining the billionaire's network of connections with influential politicians and businesspeople. The case has provoked sharp political reactions at the highest level. Prime Minister Donald Tusk, publishing a statement in English, emphasized the international dimension of the crime and the necessity of holding the guilty accountable without exception. Simultaneously, domestically, this case is becoming an element of the dispute over the legitimacy of authority within the prosecutor's office. Conservative-leaning media question the authority of National Prosecutor Dariusz Korneluk, applying terms suggesting usurpation of the position, which further complicates the political background of the ongoing investigation. „There is no room for any compromise in the face of such heinous acts. This is a crime against humanity.” — Donald Tusk

Mentioned People

  • Waldemar Żurek — Minister of Justice and Attorney General, who appointed the analytical team.
  • Jeffrey Epstein — American financier and sex offender, central figure of the scandal.
  • Dariusz Korneluk — National Prosecutor, who appointed investigative team No. 5.
  • Donald Tusk — Prime Minister of Poland, who commented on the case on social media.
  • Przemysław Nowak — Spokesperson for the National Prosecutor's Office informing about the teams' work.