In brief
French financial crime prosecutors have opened a preliminary inquiry into Jack Lang, a former minister closely connected with the late Jeffrey Epstein. The investigation centers on potential laundering of tax fraud proceeds amid findings from Epstein's files, which include multiple references to Lang and his family's dealings with Epstein. Lang denies any wrongdoing and asserts that the investigation will clarify the allegations against him, supported by his daughter Caroline's concurrent scrutiny in the case.
French financial crime prosecutors have opened a preliminary inquiry into former Culture Minister Jack Lang over his links to Jeffrey Epstein. The investigation focuses on suspected laundering of tax fraud proceeds and follows the recent release of Epstein files by the U.S. Department of Justice, which document connections between Lang's family and Epstein.
Lang, who was a prominent figure in French socialist governments from the 1980s to the 2000s, has expressed disbelief regarding the allegations, describing them as baseless. At 86 years old and serving as president of the Arab World Institute in Paris, he stated, this investigation will bring much light on to the accusations that question my probity and my honour.
Lang's daughter, Caroline, aged 64, is also under investigation and has resigned from her position as head of a French film producers' union. Reports indicate that Lang’s name appears nearly 700 times in the Epstein files.
In various statements, Lang has maintained he was unaware of Epstein's criminal history when they met about 15 years ago. He was introduced to Epstein by actor-director Woody Allen and recalled the financier's passion for art and culture.
The ongoing scrutiny comes as France's foreign minister has summoned Lang for discussions this Sunday regarding the allegations. Notably, the files from the U.S. government do not imply wrongdoing on either Lang's or his daughter's part in connection with Epstein's criminal activities, which culminated in Epstein's death while in custody in 2019, awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.
