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France is conducting its own inquiry regarding the Epstein case, examining possible offenses committed within the EU nation or involving French citizens associated with the US sex offender.

Approximately 10 additional potential victims have come forward since France initiated an investigation into the late child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and his network, according to the chief public prosecutor in Paris on Sunday.

France established a specialized team of judges in February.to investigate possible crimes that occurred within the country or involved French citizens who may be connected to Epstein’s offenses.

The action was initiated bythe U.S. Department of Justice releasing the most recent collection of documents— referred to as the “Epstein files” — concerning its inquiry into the fallen financier.

Epstein was found hanged in his Manhattan prison cell in 2019while waiting for trial on charges of trafficking minor girls for sexual purposes.

What did the prosecutor mention regarding the new individuals affected?

In comments to RTL Radio, Laure Beccuau mentioned that approximately 20 individuals have come forward since she encouraged possible victims to reach out to officials in February.

Some of the individuals claiming to be victims were already familiar to the investigators, Beccuau stated, “but we also received reports from new victims, people we had no prior knowledge of. Approximately 10 of them.”

“Some of them are currently overseas, so the investigators are working to arrange meetings at times when they can travel to Paris,” she said to RTL.

Other victims, identified by investigators, included individuals who were attacked by Jean-Luc Brunel, a modeling agent charged with the sexual assault of minors,who took their own life while being held in detention in 2022. Brunel was also accused of transporting and providing accommodation to young women for Epstein.

Gerald Marie, who previously worked as an executive at the renowned Elite modeling agency, is also being accused of similar offenses, which he rejects.

What information is available regarding the investigation in France related to Epstein?

A potential recruiter for Epstein, Daniel Siad, is being probed in Paris after allegations from possible victims, as reported by French media outlet BFM.

Beccuau also mentioned that the investigative task force is reviewing the Epstein documents to identify any names of alleged offenders that suspected victims have referred to.

Numerous prominent individuals, such as celebrities, high-ranking politicians, and business executives, have been mentioned in the documents made public by the US. Being listed in the Epstein files does not automatically imply that a crime has occurred.

“We have also retrieved Mr. Epstein’s computer, his phone records, and his address book,” the prosecutor stated. The investigators will also be “seeking international support,” she added.

However, Beccuau mentioned that “none of the individuals who might be involved have been interviewed” so far.

“Only after we have a complete understanding of Epstein’s (relationships) with other important individuals in his network in France will we hear from the defendants,” she said.

Former French culture minister Jack Lang is the most well-known French individual mentioned in the Epstein documents.

The An 86-year-old individual resigned from his positionleading a renowned cultural institution in Paris, the Arab World Institute (IMA), in February, following his name being mentioned over 670 times in the Epstein documents.

Lang denies any wrongdoing.

Global scandal

The scandal involving Epstein has caused effects in various other nations, such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and Norway, to name a few.

While US President Donald Trump campaigned for the release of the documents, he thenfaced strong, months-long demands to release the papers. The United States Department of Justicefinally made millions of documents available, despite being significantly censored.

Trump and Epstein had a long-standing friendship, but the U.S. president claims their connection ceased well before the accusations against Epstein surfaced. No public evidence has been presented that links Trump to any crimes associated with Epstein.

Former U.S. President Bill Clinton, his wife Hillary, and a number of other prominent individuals are also mentioned in the documents.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has also faced criticism for appointing Peter Mandelson, an associate of Epstein.as the British ambassador to the United States.

The Epstein controversy has already witnessedKing Charles’ brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, may be required to give up his royal titles.and living situation, while there are also increasing demands for him totestify in the United States. Mountbatten-Windsor was let go by the police in February but remains “under investigation.”

In Norway, Crown Princess Mette-Marit expressed regret in February regarding her association with Epstein.

The controversy has also involved other prominent Norwegians, such as former prime minister Thorbjorn Jagland and former foreign minister Borge Brende, who is currently the CEO of the World Economic Forum. Brende and Jagland have both stated that they are assisting the investigators.

Edited by: Darko Janjevic

Writer: Karl Sexton (with AFP, French media)