French Authorities Open Dual Investigations in Epstein Case

(MENAFN) Judicial officials in Paris have initiated two preliminary inquiries connected to the Jeffrey Epstein case, calling on individuals in France who may have been affected to step forward and share their accounts, according to statements released Wednesday.

Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau confirmed that the investigations are intended to explore both alleged sexual crimes and potential financial wrongdoing tied to the broader scandal, as stated by reports.

One of the probes centers on suspected acts described as “offenses with sexual connotations,” which could potentially be categorized as “human trafficking by an organized group.” The second inquiry is examining possible economic and financial aspects linked to the case.

Explaining the move, Beccuau pointed to the recent publication of extensive documentation by US authorities, saying that “we cannot ignore the potential revelation of facts that could have criminal qualifications.”

She emphasized the commitment of prosecutors to assist those impacted and to collect their testimonies. “We want to stand with these victims. We will receive all the statements they wish to make,” she said.

According to the prosecutor’s office, investigators will review a wide range of publicly available materials, including media coverage, complaints filed by child protection organizations, personal testimonies, and submissions from alleged victims, in order to compare and verify information.

Beccuau also warned that the release of millions of pages of case-related documents “will necessarily reactivate the trauma of some victims,” including individuals who had not previously been identified by authorities.

At the end of January, the United States Department of Justice made public more than three million pages of records, along with 2,000 videos and 180,000 images, under legislation known as the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which was enacted in November.

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