Financial crime prosecutors in France have initiated a preliminary inquiry into former Culture Minister Jack Lang regarding his connections to the controversial financier, Jeffrey Epstein. This investigation focuses on suspected money laundering related to tax fraud, stemming from recently released documents by the U.S. Department of Justice that outline extensive ties between the Lang family and Epstein.
At 86, Lang, who played a significant role in French socialist governments from the 1980s through the 2000s, currently heads the Arab World Institute in Paris. He has denied all allegations, describing them as baseless and asserting that the investigation will clear his name. Lang's daughter, Caroline, is also under scrutiny in connection with the case.
The release of the Epstein files has reignited scrutiny over Lang, who is mentioned nearly 700 times in the documents, revealing that he sought financial assistance from Epstein for various personal and family needs over the years. While Lang maintains that he was unaware of Epstein's criminal activities at the time of their acquaintance, he acknowledges having been introduced to Epstein by noted Hollywood director Woody Allen and described him as passionate about the arts.
As the investigation unfolds, France's foreign minister has called for discussions with Lang to address these serious allegations. The latest developments highlight the expansive fallout from the Epstein saga, as many prominent figures are drawn into the net of inquiries surrounding the disgraced financier, who died in a New York City prison in 2019.
At 86, Lang, who played a significant role in French socialist governments from the 1980s through the 2000s, currently heads the Arab World Institute in Paris. He has denied all allegations, describing them as baseless and asserting that the investigation will clear his name. Lang's daughter, Caroline, is also under scrutiny in connection with the case.
The release of the Epstein files has reignited scrutiny over Lang, who is mentioned nearly 700 times in the documents, revealing that he sought financial assistance from Epstein for various personal and family needs over the years. While Lang maintains that he was unaware of Epstein's criminal activities at the time of their acquaintance, he acknowledges having been introduced to Epstein by noted Hollywood director Woody Allen and described him as passionate about the arts.
As the investigation unfolds, France's foreign minister has called for discussions with Lang to address these serious allegations. The latest developments highlight the expansive fallout from the Epstein saga, as many prominent figures are drawn into the net of inquiries surrounding the disgraced financier, who died in a New York City prison in 2019.
