Epstein Victims Called to Testify in France as Prosecutors Expand Investigation

French prosecutors have called victims of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein to testify in connection with a widening investigation into French nationals linked to the financier. The move follows a series of police raids and the opening of new probes into potential crimes related to Epstein's network. This development underscores the growing global fallout from the release of millions of pages of documents detailing Epstein's associations with powerful individuals.

The National Financial Prosecutor (PNF) announced the creation of a dedicated team to analyze the newly released U.S. Justice Department files. This team will investigate potential sexual or financial crimes by French nationals. Among those under scrutiny is former French Culture Minister Jack Lang and his daughter, Caroline Lang, who face a tax fraud investigation.

French police searched the Arab World Institute in Paris on Monday as part of the probe into Lang's ties to Epstein. Lang, who led the institute since 2013, resigned this month amid allegations of connections to Epstein. He has denied any knowledge of the financier's crimes despite correspondence with him between 2012 and 2019.

Why Did France Launch a New Epstein Probe?

The release of 3.5 million pages of documents in January 2026 has triggered a global response, with France among the countries initiating fresh investigations. These files include emails, text messages, and court records, providing new insight into Epstein's activities and connections.

Paris prosecutors have opened specific investigations into several individuals, including Fabrice Aidan, a French diplomat mentioned more than 200 times in the documents. Aidan's lawyer has denied any wrongdoing on his part.

The Justice Department's release of these materials has also led to scrutiny of the redaction process. A recent letter from the DOJ to U.S. lawmakers defended the redactions as necessary to protect victims' privacy and comply with the law.

How Are French Authorities Responding to the Epstein Files?

French authorities are revisiting past cases linked to Epstein, including the 2022 death of modeling agent Jean-Luc Brunel. The Paris prosecutor's office said it will re-examine evidence in Brunel's case, who died while facing rape charges.

In addition to Lang and Aidan, prosecutors are also examining the role of Frédéric Chaslin, a conductor accused of sexual harassment. Chaslin has denied any wrongdoing and stated he met Epstein only to seek support for his musical projects.

The investigation has also led to disciplinary actions within the French Foreign Ministry. Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said he had alerted prosecutors and initiated proceedings against Aidan, calling the allegations "extremely serious".

What Are Analysts Watching Next?

The Justice Department's release of the Epstein Files has sparked political tensions in the U.S. as well. Attorney General Pam Bondi faced sharp criticism during a congressional hearing, with Democrats accusing her of misleading statements about redactions in the documents.

Investors and analysts are monitoring how these developments might impact France's diplomatic and political landscape. The involvement of high-profile figures in the investigation could lead to further resignations and policy changes.

The absence of survivors' statements remains a key issue. U.S. Representative Ro Khanna highlighted the lack of transparency, stating that the most sensitive information—including survivors' accounts—has not been fully disclosed.

The French probe into Epstein-linked individuals has also drawn international attention. For example, Kapil Sibal, a former Indian Union minister, became a subject of controversy after the BJP alleged he received an award funded by Epstein in 2010. Sibal denied any wrongdoing, calling the claims "rubbish".

As the investigation continues, the focus will likely shift to how French authorities handle the legal and reputational risks associated with the case. The involvement of diplomatic, cultural, and political figures highlights the far-reaching implications of the Epstein Files in Europe and beyond.