French authorities have initiated searches at the esteemed Arab World Institute (IMA) in Paris. These actions are part of an ongoing inquiry into the connections between the institute’s former president, Jack Lang, and the deceased American financier Jeffrey Epstein, who was known for sex offenses.
Lang, an 86-year-old former Socialist minister, stepped down from his position at the IMA just over a week prior to these searches. His departure followed the discovery of his name appearing nearly 700 times in the most recent batch of Epstein’s private documents released in the United States. The investigation in France is examining allegations of suspected “laundering of the proceeds of tax evasion” against Lang. He has consistently denied any wrongdoing, characterizing the accusations as entirely without foundation. Speaking to IMA staff on Monday, Lang expressed confidence that the investigation would exonerate him, stating his complete serenity as he had nothing to conceal.
Established in 1987, the IMA stands as a significant cultural institution dedicated to the Arab world. Strategically located on the River Seine, its primary funding comes from the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
On February 6th, the financial crimes division of the public prosecutor’s office commenced a preliminary inquiry. This investigation specifically targets Jack Lang and his 64-year-old daughter, Caroline Lang. It is important to note that a preliminary inquiry is initiated based on unverified information and does not automatically result in criminal charges being filed.
Media reports indicate that investigators are keen to understand the operations of an offshore company. This entity was reportedly established jointly by Epstein and Caroline Lang in the U.S. Virgin Islands, with its stated purpose being the acquisition of artworks. This company was not formally declared to the relevant French tax authorities. Caroline Lang, however, has stated that she did not receive any financial benefit from this venture.
Caroline Lang, who previously worked for the British media magnate Robert Maxwell—father of Ghislaine Maxwell, an associate of Epstein currently imprisoned—is reportedly named as a beneficiary in Epstein’s will, according to French media outlets. In a recent interview with the French public broadcaster France 2, she asserted that she had no knowledge of this will, had never encountered such a document, and had received no funds from it.
Representatives for both Jack and Caroline Lang were contacted by the BBC for comment.
Further allegations suggest that Epstein may have financed a film project concerning Jack Lang’s political career, with an alleged payment of $50,000 (£36,670). Lang was a staunch supporter of the late Socialist President François Mitterrand. He gained significant recognition as the Minister of Culture, primarily for his role in establishing France’s annual Fête de la Musique, or Festival of Music.
French investigators are also examining other individuals whose names appear in Epstein’s papers. Among them is modeling agent Jean-Luc Brunel. Brunel died by suicide in a Paris prison in 2022, following accusations of sourcing young girls for Epstein.