France has opened two broad investigations into possible
human trafficking and financial crimes tied to contacts of Jeffrey
Epstein after a large set of related files was released by the U.S. Justice
Department, Reuters reported
on Feb. 18.
Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau said the inquiries will rely on publicly available materials and complaints filed by child-protection groups. One probe will focus on alleged human trafficking; the other will examine economic crimes, including money laundering, corruption, and tax fraud.
Beccuau’s office said it hopes the publicity surrounding the case will encourage trafficking victims who previously did not come forward to do so now.
Reuters said five prosecutors will review the published
files for signs that French citizens might have been involved in sexual or
financial crimes. Authorities have already opened a preliminary investigation
into former Culture Minister Jack Lang and his daughter, Caroline, on suspicion
of tax fraud.