Financial crime prosecutors in France have opened a preliminary inquiry into Jack Lang, the former Culture Minister, regarding his links to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. The investigation is centered around suspicions of laundering proceeds from tax fraud.
This development follows the release of Epstein's files by the US Department of Justice, which document various connections between Lang's family and Epstein. Lang, a prominent figure in French socialist politics from the 1980s to the 2000s, has denied any wrongdoing, labeling the allegations 'baseless.'
In response to the unfolding situation, Lang, who is currently 86, announced his intention to resign from his role as the head of the Arab World Institute, an organization aimed at fostering cooperation between France and Arab nations. He communicated his resignation plans to Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, confirming his decision to step down at the next board meeting.
Previously, Lang had resisted calls to resign amid growing scrutiny, particularly after being named nearly 700 times in the released Epstein files. The investigation also extends to his daughter, Caroline Lang, who has voluntarily stepped down from her position as head of a French film producers' union amidst the inquiry.
Lang claims to have had no prior knowledge of Epstein's criminal activities when they first met about 15 years ago. Meanwhile, details in the Epstein files suggest that he had sought certain benefits from Epstein, including transportation for his family.
Caroline Lang, who met Epstein in 2012, indicated that he expressed an interest in investing in new artists. Despite her involvement in an associated company, she maintains that she did not receive any funds and described her previous actions as 'incredibly naive.' While both Langs face scrutiny, the investigation does not imply that they are directly connected to Epstein's crimes, which are severe and well-documented.
Jeffrey Epstein, who died in 2019 while awaiting trial for sex trafficking, left behind a legacy of criminality that continues to implicate numerous high-profile individuals.
