France’s investigation into Jeffrey Epstein’s alleged network has widened after 10 new suspected victims came forward following the release of fresh US court documents. Authorities are now reviewing records, contacts, and possible French connections tied to Epstein’s operations.
French prosecutors investigating convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein’s alleged international network have revealed that 10 previously unknown suspected victims have recently come forward. The development follows the release of additional US court documents connected to the long-running Epstein case, which reignited global attention surrounding the scandal.
According to Paris Public Prosecutor Laure Beccuau, nearly 20 individuals have contacted investigators since France launched a dedicated task force earlier this year. Some of those individuals were already known to authorities, while others had never previously been identified.
“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.
French officials confirmed that some of the alleged victims currently live outside France, adding an international dimension to the widening inquiry.
#Special Task Force Reviews Epstein Connections in France
France officially established a special investigative team in February to examine possible crimes linked to Epstein that may have occurred within the country or involved French nationals connected to his operations. The decision came shortly after another batch of documents from the US Justice Department’s Epstein investigation became public.
Investigators are now examining extensive evidence, including Epstein’s phone records, computer files, address books, and personal contacts, to determine whether members of his alleged network operated in France or recruited victims there.
“We have also got back out Mr Epstein's computer, his telephone records, his address books,” Beccuau stated while discussing the progress of the investigation.
Authorities also confirmed that they are prepared to seek international cooperation from other countries as the probe continues to expand.
Despite the renewed attention surrounding the case, French prosecutors said that no major suspect has yet been formally questioned in the latest phase of the 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 explained.
Jeffrey Epstein died in a Manhattan prison cell in 2019 while awaiting trial on charges related to trafficking underage girls for sexual exploitation. His death was officially ruled a suicide, though the case continues to attract widespread public scrutiny and conspiracy theories worldwide.
#French Figures Under Fresh Scrutiny
Several individuals previously connected to investigations surrounding Epstein are once again being examined by French authorities.
Among the key names is former modelling agent Jean-Luc Brunel, who had faced accusations of rape and trafficking minors allegedly linked to Epstein’s network. Brunel died in prison in 2022 while awaiting trial. Prosecutors previously alleged that he played a significant role in recruiting and transporting young women for Epstein.
Former Elite modelling executive Gerald Marie has also returned to the spotlight amid allegations of sexual assault and trafficking-related offences. Marie has consistently denied all accusations made against him.
French media outlets have additionally identified modelling scout Daniel Siad as another figure under scrutiny. Two former models accused him of grooming them in an attempt to introduce them either to Epstein or Gerald Marie.
In March, a group of women publicly urged French authorities to investigate potential connections between Marie and Epstein more thoroughly.
The release of fresh court documents in the United States earlier this year triggered renewed international focus on individuals whose names appeared in files related to Epstein. Investigators, however, have repeatedly stressed that simply appearing in those documents does not automatically suggest criminal activity or wrongdoing.
One of the prominent French figures named in the files was former French culture minister Jack Lang. Following reports claiming his name appeared hundreds of times within Epstein-related documents, Lang strongly denied any wrongdoing.
The scandal has also continued to create political repercussions in several countries beyond France.
#Political Fallout Spreads Across Europe
In the United Kingdom, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer faced criticism regarding the appointment of Peter Mandelson as Britain’s ambassador to the United States because of Mandelson’s previous association with Epstein.
Meanwhile, the controversy surrounding Epstein also heavily impacted Prince Andrew, brother of King Charles III. Prince Andrew lost his royal titles and stepped away from public duties after allegations connected to Epstein surfaced publicly.
In Norway, Crown Princess Mette-Marit apologised earlier this year over her past ties to Epstein. Former Norwegian Prime Minister Thorbjorn Jagland and international diplomat Borge Brende were also reportedly named in connection with the case and stated that they were cooperating fully with investigators.
As investigators continue reviewing evidence and interviewing individuals linked to Epstein’s alleged network, authorities in France say the inquiry remains active and could uncover further international connections in the months ahead.
Source : India today
Image Source : MS NOW
