Micah Jonah
February 8, 2026
French authorities have launched an investigation into former culture minister, Jack Lang and his daughter, Caroline over suspected aggravated tax fraud and money laundering, following the release of files connected to the late U.S. convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The Financial Prosecutor’s Office confirmed on Saturday that the probe stems from documents made public by the U.S. Department of Justice on January 30, revealing years of correspondence and financial links between Lang and Epstein between 2012 and 2019, before Epstein’s death in prison.
French media outlets, including Le Monde, Le Figaro, and Mediapart, reported that the preliminary investigation aims to verify the legitimacy of the financial dealings highlighted in the Epstein files. Lang has been summoned to the Foreign Ministry, which oversees the Arab World Institute in Paris, where he serves as President.
In a statement on X, Lang welcomed the investigation, saying it would allow “all the light to be shed on accusations attacking my integrity and my honour.” He insisted the allegations were baseless and vowed to demonstrate his innocence “beyond the sound and fury of the media and digital courts.”
Lang’s lawyer, Laurent Merlet, told French media that no irregular movement of funds had occurred and described the investigation as a normal judicial procedure. Meanwhile, Caroline Lang resigned from her position as head of France’s Independent Production Union after her links to Epstein surfaced.
The release of Epstein’s files has intensified global scrutiny of his connections to high-profile figures, including Britain’s Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, former UK diplomat Peter Mandelson, and Norwegian Crown Princess Mette-Marit.
The investigation is ongoing, and Lang is expected to present himself to authorities on Sunday for further proceedings.
