Judicial authorities are intensifying their investigations into the activities of the convicted juvenile and human trafficking broker while he was alive. The investigations focus on both potential sexual and financial crimes and are being launched based on what emerges from the millions of documents released by the US government in late January.
The investigations in France also include possible financial crimes
In France, prosecutors in Paris have begun an in-depth investigation into Epstein’s connections to the country. According to the prosecutor Lor Bekou, the investigations will focus on two main axes: human trafficking and economic crimes, such as money laundering, corruption and tax evasion. Five prosecutors will analyze the published documents for indications of involvement of French citizens in illegal activities, as well as complaints from child protection groups.
The French investigation already includes a preliminary inquiry into former culture minister Jacques Lange and his daughter, Caroline, over indications of tax evasion. At the same time, cases involving former diplomat Fabrice Aidan, who is accused of passing confidential UN documents to Epstein, are being examined. Authorities admit that data remains limited, describing the ongoing investigations as a “colossal task”.
What is happening in Britain?
In Britain, Essex Police are looking into the possibility that Epstein trafficked women on private flights to and from Stansted Airport as part of a concerted effort to investigate his ties to Britain. According to reports from Britain, it is still not a full investigation, but the moves come after a national coordination group was set up for individual police investigations into his activities.
The Epstein revelations have caused an uproar in the UK, with investigations into former ambassador Peter Mandelson and former Prince Andrew, brother of King Charles, following allegations of “misconduct in public office”. According to Epstein’s records, both allegedly passed confidential government documents to the stockbroker, which they have denied.
The published documents include lists of flights to and from British airports between the early 1990s and 2018, which refer to unidentified “women” among the passengers. They also contain discussions of visas and possible transfers of Russian women on American visas through Stansted Airport.
