10 new suspected Epstein victims come forward in France amid probe

France launched a special task force in February to examine possible crimes linked to Epstein that may have taken place in France or involved French nationals accused of helping his operations.

In Short

• French probe into Epstein widens with 10 new suspected victims
• Special task force examines crimes linked to Epstein in France
• Investigators review Epstein's records for French connections

The investigation into Jeffrey Epstein and his alleged network has expanded after 10 previously unknown suspected victims recently contacted French authorities following the release of fresh US court documents linked to the convicted sex offender, Paris' top public prosecutor said,

France launched a special task force in February to examine possible crimes linked to Epstein that may have taken place in France or involved French nationals accused of helping his operations. The move followed the release of another batch of documents from the US Justice Department's long-running Epstein investigation.

Paris Public Prosecutor Laure Beccuau said nearly 20 people had contacted investigators since February. "Some were already known to investigators, but we also had new victims come forward, ones we didn't know at all. There are around 10 of them," Beccuau told RTL Radio, as quoted by AFP. She added that several of the alleged victims currently live outside France.

INVESTIGATORS DIG THROUGH EPSTEIN FILES

Investigators in Paris are now reviewing telephone records, address books, computer materials and names that appeared in the US documents as they attempt to trace possible French connections to Epstein's operations. "We have also got back out Mr Epstein's computer, his telephone records, his address books," Beccuau said, adding that French authorities would seek international assistance as part of the inquiry.

So far, prosecutors say no major suspect has been formally questioned in the renewed investigation.

"It is only once we have fully understood Epstein's relationships with the other key figures in France that we will hear from the defendants," Beccuau said. Epstein died in a Manhattan jail cell in 2019 while awaiting trial on charges of trafficking underage girls for sex. His death was ruled a suicide.

WHO ARE THE KEY FIGURES IN FRANCE’S EPSTEIN PROBE?

Several people already linked to earlier investigations in France have again come under focus as prosecutors widen the probe. Among them is former modelling agent Jean-Luc Brunel, who had been accused of rape and trafficking minors for Epstein before he died in prison in 2022. Prosecutors believe Brunel played a role in recruiting and transporting young women connected to Epstein's network.

Former Elite modelling executive Gerald Marie is also under investigation over allegations of sexual assault and trafficking-related offences. He has denied wrongdoing.

French media reports also identified modelling scout Daniel Siad as another figure under scrutiny. Two former models have accused him of grooming them with the aim of introducing them either to Epstein or Marie. In March, a group of women called for French investigators to examine possible links between Marie and Epstein.

The release of additional American court documents earlier this year renewed scrutiny of several public figures whose names appeared in Epstein-related files. Investigators have repeatedly stressed that appearing in the files does not automatically imply criminal wrongdoing.

Among the high-profile French figures named in the documents was former culture minister Jack Lang, who denied wrongdoing after reports said his name appeared hundreds of times in the files.

The Epstein scandal has also led to political fallout in countries including Britain and Norway, where several high-profile figures faced scrutiny over connection to Epstein. In the UK, Keir Starmer faced criticism over the appointment of Peter Mandelson as Britain’s ambassador to US because of Mandelson’s past association with Epstein.

The scandal also engulfed Prince Andrew, brother of King Charles III, who lost his royal titles and public duties following allegations linked to Epstein. In Norway, Mette-Marit apologised earlier this year for her past ties to Epstein. Former Norwegian Prime Minister Thorbjorn Jagland and Borge Brende were also named in connection with the case and said they were cooperating with investigators.

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With inputs from agencies