New Epstein victims turn up in French probe — prosecutor
What happened
France established a special task force of magistrates in February 2026 to investigate potential crimes committed in France or involving French nationals connected to Jeffrey Epstein's network. The investigation was triggered by the US Justice Department releasing millions of documents related to Epstein's case. Prosecutor Laure Beccuau stated that around 20 people have come forward since February, with approximately 10 being previously unknown victims. Some victims are located abroad, and investigators are arranging meetings in Paris.
The investigation involves examining connections to Jean-Luc Brunel, a modeling agent indicted for rape of minors who died by suicide in custody in 2022, and Gerald Marie, a former Elite modeling agency executive facing similar charges which he denies. Daniel Siad is under investigation as a possible Epstein recruiter. French ex-culture minister Jack Lang, whose name appeared in the Epstein files over 670 times, stepped down from his position at the Arab World Institute in February and denies wrongdoing.
Investigators have obtained Epstein's computer, telephone records, and address books. Beccuau stated that no potential defendants have been questioned yet, pending full understanding of Epstein's relationships with key figures in his French network. The scandal has also affected investigations in the United States, United Kingdom, and Norway.
Who's perspective
This article is written from a news wire perspective, drawing primarily on a single named source — Paris' top public prosecutor Laure Beccuau — speaking to RTL Radio. Because the article is built around official prosecutorial statements, it naturally reflects the investigative framing of law enforcement: who has come forward, what evidence exists, and what steps remain. This means the reader gets a procedural update rather than a victim-centered or accused-centered account.
Taken for granted
The article treats the French investigation as a straightforward institutional response to the release of the Epstein files, without questioning whether the investigation's scope or pace is adequate. It leaves unexamined the alternative framing that a probe launched four years after Epstein's death — and only after US document releases — might reflect political or institutional delay worth scrutinizing.
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