ALBAWABA - French authorities have revived momentum in their probe into Jeffrey Epstein after over 10 new complainants claimed they were victims of the late financier.
Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau said that the new testimony were just filed to French prosecutors, bringing the total number of complainants in the case to about 20.
The expanded probe is looking into potential networks of human trafficking that were linked to Epstein’s activities in France and seeking to identify anyone who may have helped facilitate or cover up his alleged crimes.
French detectives are sifting through communications logs, address books and digital information linked to Epstein that was seized during the probe. As the inquiry spreads beyond France, authorities also stated they anticipate to receive foreign cooperation requests.
Some putative victims living abroad have already been called and examined by authorities, they say.
The case has once again shed light on individuals formerly linked to Epstein's network in France, such as Jean-Luc Brunel, a former modelling agent who died in prison in 2022 amid accusations involving minors, and Gérald Marie, the ex-head of Elite Model Management, who has denied allegations against him.
Another suspect, Daniel Saad, is also under investigation in Paris for claims that he helped recruit young victims for Epstein.
Epstein, who had links to powerful political and business elites around the world, was arrested in the United States in 2019 on allegations of sex trafficking of kids and conspiracy.
Later, he was found dead in his prison cell before trial, with U.S. authorities officially pronouncing the death a suicide.
The revived French probe follows the revelation of additional Epstein-related data by the US government in recent months, prompting further international investigations of the broader network behind disgraced financier.
