The Jeffrey Epstein files have prompted renewed investigations in the United States, France and the United Kingdom, as authorities examine potential crimes, financial networks and alleged trafficking linked to the late US financier.
Recent releases by the US Justice Department have brought fresh scrutiny to Epstein’s associates and the mechanisms that enabled his activities before his death in prison in 2019.
Lawmakers, prosecutors and police across three countries say they are reviewing evidence, calling on potential victims to testify and assessing allegations contained in newly disclosed documents.
Les Wexner testifies before US lawmakers
In Washington, retail billionaire Les Wexner told members of the US House Oversight Committee that he had been “conned” by Epstein and denied any knowledge of his criminal conduct.
Wexner, 88, founder of L Brands, the former parent company of Victoria’s Secret, gave closed-door testimony from his home in Ohio after being subpoenaed as part of a congressional inquiry into Epstein and his associates.
In a prepared statement reported by US media, Wexner said he had been “naive” to trust Epstein, describing him as a “con man.” He stressed that he had done nothing illegal and had “nothing to hide.”
Democratic Congressman Robert Garcia argued that Wexner’s financial support was central to Epstein’s rise. “There would be no Epstein island, no Epstein plane, no money to traffic women and girls without the support of Les Wexner,” Garcia told reporters.
Wexner rejected allegations included in court filings, including claims of sexual contact with victims. He said he ended his relationship with Epstein in 2007 after discovering financial misconduct and learning of charges that Epstein had solicited a minor.
According to the US Justice Department, Wexner is not a target of the federal investigation and has not been charged with any crime. His legal representatives say he cooperated with authorities in 2019.
Key points from the US inquiry include:
• Examination of how Epstein accumulated and managed his wealth
• Scrutiny of financial and personal relationships with influential figures
• Review of previously undisclosed government records
Paris prosecutor calls on potential victims
In France, the Paris prosecutor’s office has urged potential victims linked to Epstein to come forward. Prosecutor Laure Beccuau told Franceinfo that authorities are prepared to receive complaints or testimony from individuals who believe offences were committed in France or involved French nationals.
The prosecutor’s office has jurisdiction if a suspect is French, even if alleged acts occurred abroad, or if the victims are French citizens. If information falls outside its authority, it will be forwarded to the relevant judicial bodies.
Magistrates have been tasked with examining possible sexual or financial offences involving French nationals. Several French public figures are mentioned in the recently released files, though prosecutors emphasize that inclusion in documents does not in itself constitute evidence of wrongdoing.
French authorities have confirmed they are probing:
• A French diplomat
• A modelling agent
• A musician
Separately, the national financial prosecutor has opened a preliminary investigation into alleged aggravated tax fraud and money laundering involving former minister Jack Lang and his daughter, according to official statements. Lang has resigned as head of the Arab World Institute amid scrutiny over alleged financial links to Epstein.
Epstein owned a large apartment on Avenue Foch in Paris and maintained ties to French social and business circles prior to his death.
UK police assess flights and trafficking allegations
In the United Kingdom, multiple police forces have said they are assessing information suggesting women were trafficked into Britain on private flights linked to Epstein.
Surrey Police confirmed they were reviewing a redacted report alleging human trafficking and sexual assault of a minor between 1994 and 1996 in Virginia Water. Authorities said they found no record of the allegations being previously reported and appealed for witnesses to come forward.
Essex Police also stated they are assessing information related to private flights into and out of Stansted Airport following the publication of the US documents.
A BBC investigation in December reported that nearly 90 flights connected to Epstein arrived at or departed from UK airports, some allegedly carrying British women who later said they were abused.
Former prime minister Gordon Brown has publicly called for a review of flight records, stating that earlier investigations into former Prince Andrew may not have adequately examined key aviation evidence.
At least four UK police forces have confirmed they are reviewing material that appears to reference Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly Prince Andrew. He has denied wrongdoing in relation to Epstein.
Developments under review in the UK include:
• Allegations of trafficking via private aircraft
• Possible misconduct in public office
• Communications between Epstein and prominent British figures
Buckingham Palace has said it is ready to support police inquiries. King Charles III previously removed Andrew’s royal titles following allegations by one of Epstein’s accusers that she had been trafficked to have sex with him.
Conclusion:
The Jeffrey Epstein files have reignited global scrutiny of financial, political and social networks connected to the convicted offender. Authorities in the US, France and the UK say their inquiries are ongoing, with additional testimony and document reviews expected in the coming weeks.
