French Police Raid Arab World Institute Amid Jeffrey Epstein Investigation
PARIS, France — French authorities conducted a raid Monday at the headquarters of the Arab World Institute (AWI) in Paris as part of an expanding investigation linked to Jeffrey Epstein. The operation, carried out by national financial prosecutors and police, targeted the AWI’s Paris offices and several other locations in search of documents related to former culture minister Jack Lang, who led the institute until his resignation last month.
Jack Lang and his wife Caroline Lang have consistently denied any wrongdoing or financial ties to Epstein. Their attorney, Laurent Merlet, told French broadcaster BFMTV that “there was no movement of funds” between the Langs and Epstein. Despite these denials, investigators are scrutinizing the former minister’s tenure at the AWI, an institution affiliated with France’s foreign ministry, to uncover any possible links to Epstein’s extensive network.
The raid follows the recent release of millions of documents connected to Epstein, which have triggered a wave of investigations across Europe. Paris prosecutors established a dedicated team last Saturday to analyze the newly surfaced files, coordinating efforts with the national financial prosecutor and police units. This development underscores the growing international reach of the Epstein probe.
French police officers were seen patrolling outside the AWI building during the search, highlighting the high-profile nature of the investigation. The Arab World Institute, known for its cultural diplomacy role, now finds itself at the center of a scandal that has reverberated globally.
The investigation in France mirrors similar efforts in the United States, where federal agencies such as the Department of Justice have pursued leads related to Epstein’s activities. Meanwhile, the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) has facilitated cooperation between countries to track down associates and evidence.
Attorney General Pam Bondi, who announced the establishment of a comprehensive review team for Epstein files in the U.S., emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in these ongoing investigations. The French inquiry, by contrast, is focusing on financial records and correspondence that may shed light on the extent of Epstein’s influence in European institutions.
As the probe continues, the Arab World Institute faces intense scrutiny, with officials and observers watching closely for any revelations that could implicate prominent figures. The unfolding investigation serves as a reminder of Epstein’s far-reaching network and the persistent efforts by law enforcement to dismantle it.
For further information on the legal framework guiding such investigations, see the U.S. Department of Justice Criminal Division and the European Union Agency for Criminal Justice Cooperation (Eurojust). These agencies play critical roles in cross-border criminal inquiries like the one currently underway in Paris.
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