France has launched sweeping investigations into alleged human trafficking and financial crimes linked to the late US sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, following the release of millions of documents detailing his global activities.
At the same time, British police forces have begun assessing whether Epstein trafficked women through UK airports, marking a nationally coordinated effort to examine his ties to Britain.
France opens dual investigations
Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau confirmed that two major investigations are underway in France.
One probe focuses on human trafficking, while the other examines financial crimes, including money laundering, corruption, and tax fraud. Authorities will rely on publicly available documents as well as complaints filed by child protection groups.
In an emailed statement, the prosecutor’s office said it hoped renewed publicity surrounding Epstein’s case would encourage victims who had not previously come forward to do so now.
Scrutiny of French nationals, officials
Five French prosecutors have been assigned to review published files to determine whether any French nationals were involved in sexual or financial offences.
Authorities have already opened a preliminary probe into former culture minister Jack Lang and his daughter Caroline on suspicion of tax fraud.
Investigators are also examining three additional cases, including allegations that French diplomat Fabrice Aidan transferred United Nations documents to Epstein. Aidan has denied the accusation.
Documents released by the US Department of Justice indicate that Epstein frequently visited Paris and owned a luxury apartment near the Arc de Triomphe.
“France has a key role in the matter as it is the only country outside the United States where Epstein owned property,” said Homayra Sellier of Innocence en danger, a group campaigning against child sexual abuse.
Previous probe closed after key suspect’s death
French prosecutors had opened an investigation into Epstein’s French connections in 2019 but closed it in 2023 after the death of Jean-Luc Brunel, a longtime Epstein associate and key suspect, in a French prison.
Officials now acknowledge that the available data remains incomplete, describing the renewed effort as “titanic work, without knowing what will come of it.”
On Tuesday, a panel of independent experts at the United Nations Human Rights Council suggested the possible existence of a “global criminal enterprise” tied to Epstein’s network, with acts that could amount to crimes against humanity.
Epstein died by suicide in a Manhattan jail in 2019 after being charged with sex trafficking. He had previously been convicted in 2008 for soliciting prostitution from an underage girl.
His associate Ghislaine Maxwell was later convicted in the United States of trafficking underage girls for sexual abuse over many years in connection with Epstein.
British police assess airport links
In the UK, three regional police forces have confirmed they are reviewing information about private flights connected to Epstein.
Essex Police is examining flights in and out of Stansted Airport, while Bedfordshire Police is assessing movements through Luton Airport. West Midlands Police is reviewing evidence related to Birmingham Airport.
These assessments are not full investigations but form part of a nationally coordinated effort led by the National Police Chiefs’ Council to examine Epstein’s ties to Britain and British nationals.
The BBC previously reported that incomplete flight logs showed 87 flights linked to Epstein arriving or departing from British airports between the early 1990s and 2018, with unidentified “females” listed among passengers. Reuters said it could not independently verify the report.
Documents reviewed by Reuters include references to Stansted Airport and UK visas, including discussion of whether a Russian woman with a US visa could transfer flights there.
Airports in Stansted, Luton, and Birmingham clarified that private flights are not managed by terminal operators and that immigration and customs checks fall under Border Force authority. Border Force did not respond to requests for comment.
Impact on British public figures
The Epstein controversy has already had significant repercussions in Britain.
Two additional police forces are examining former British ambassador to the US Peter Mandelson and Prince Andrew, the younger brother of King Charles, over allegations of misconduct in public office.
Recently released files suggested both men may have forwarded confidential government documents to Epstein. Both have denied wrongdoing and expressed regret over their past associations with him, though neither has responded to specific new allegations following the latest disclosures.
