France Launches New Probe into Jeffrey Epstein Files, Re-examining French Links

New Judicial Team Formed to Scrutinize Epstein Files

The Paris prosecutor's office has announced the formation of a special team of magistrates dedicated to analyzing evidence from the recently released Jeffrey Epstein files. This initiative aims to investigate potential crimes involving French nationals, following the extensive release of documents by US authorities. The prosecutor's office stated that the goal is 'to be able to extract any piece that could be usefully reused in a new investigative framework'.

The newly appointed team will collaborate closely with prosecutors from the national financial crimes unit and the judicial police. This coordinated effort seeks to identify any suspected criminal activity, including both sexual and financial crimes, that may have connections to France or its citizens. The move underscores a renewed commitment to uncovering the full extent of Epstein's network and its international ramifications.

Re-examination of Jean-Luc Brunel's Case

A significant aspect of the new French probe involves the thorough re-examination of the case of Jean-Luc Brunel, a former French modeling agency executive and close associate of Epstein. Brunel was found dead in his cell in a Paris prison in 2022 while awaiting trial on charges of raping minors and sex trafficking. His case was subsequently dropped in 2023 following his death, with no other individuals charged.

Prosecutors had previously stated that an investigation showed Brunel was 'a close friend of Jeffrey Epstein' who allegedly offered modeling jobs to young girls from disadvantaged backgrounds. Accusations against Brunel included engaging in sexual acts with underage girls in various locations, including the United States, the US Virgin Islands, Paris, and the south of France. Ten women had made accusations against Brunel, describing forced sexual penetration after being led to drink alcohol. The re-examination seeks to leverage new information from the Epstein files to potentially reopen aspects of the investigation.

Broader Implications and Named Individuals

The release of the US documents has brought renewed scrutiny to individuals with connections to Epstein, including several prominent French figures. While being mentioned in the files does not automatically imply wrongdoing, the prosecutor's office is investigating specific cases. Individuals whose names have appeared in connection with the files include diplomat Fabrice Aidan, former minister Jack Lang, and musician Frédéric Chaslin. Former Culture Minister Jack Lang resigned from his position as head of the Arab World Institute after his name was mentioned, though he has denied any wrongdoing.

The French authorities had initially launched a formal investigation into Epstein and Brunel in 2019 following Epstein's arrest in the United States. This latest development signifies an intensified effort to address the complex and far-reaching network associated with Jeffrey Epstein, particularly concerning any potential links to French territory and citizens.