French Epstein probe widens as ten new victims come forward

French prosecutors investigating Jeffrey Epstein’s alleged trafficking network have reported that approximately ten previously unidentified suspected victims have recently contacted authorities. This development expands the scope of the inquiry into possible abuse committed in France or involving French accomplices linked to the late US financier, who died in prison in 2019.

Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau confirmed to the RTL broadcaster that the new group of victims was entirely unknown to investigators. While around 20 suspected victims have come forward since she urged them to speak in February, Beccuau noted that the latest contacts represented individuals the authorities had not previously encountered.

The probe was initiated in January after the US Justice Department released a further cache of files regarding the disgraced financier. French magistrates are seeking to determine if offences were committed on French soil or if French perpetrators facilitated Epstein’s crimes. The investigation follows a search of Epstein’s luxury Paris apartment in September 2019, conducted more than a month after he was found dead in his New York jail cell.

Authorities are currently listening to the new victims and arranging meetings, with some located abroad. Investigators are also scouring the so-called Epstein files for names mentioned by alleged victims. Beccuau stated that her team has retrieved Epstein’s computer, telephone records, and address books, and is making requests for international assistance.

Despite these efforts, Beccuau emphasised that no potential suspects have been questioned to date. Epstein pleaded guilty in 2008 to procuring for prostitution a girl under the age of 18 and served 13 months in prison before being released on probation.