French Police Raid Arab World Institute in Epstein Investigation

French police conducted raids Monday at the Arab World Institute headquarters in Paris as investigators probe potential connections between former culture minister Jack Lang and disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. The operation, carried out by the National Financial Prosecutor, targeted multiple locations seeking documentation relating to Lang, who resigned last month as the institute’s head.

The Arab World Institute, a cultural organization operating under France’s foreign ministry, became the focal point of authorities’ scrutiny amid widening fallout from newly released Epstein documents. Lang and his wife Caroline have consistently denied any impropriety or receiving funds from Epstein, with their attorney Laurent Merlet telling French broadcaster BFMTV earlier this month that “there was no movement of funds.”

The investigation marks the latest European repercussion following the release of millions of documents related to Epstein’s activities. Paris prosecutors established a dedicated team on Saturday to review the files in coordination with financial prosecutors and national police, highlighting the growing international scope of the scandal.

The Epstein Files Transparency Act, recently enacted in the United States, has triggered a cascade of revelations that have rippled through political, business, and entertainment circles worldwide. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed in a letter Saturday that the Department of Justice had released “all” Epstein files in accordance with the legislation.

“The Department released all records, documents, communications and investigative materials in the possession of the Department that relate to any of nine different categories,” the letter stated, accompanying a list featuring over 300 high-profile names, including current and former presidents, royalty, business leaders, and celebrities.

The document clarifies that these names appear “in a wide variety of contexts,” with some individuals having “extensive direct email contact with Epstein or Maxwell,” while others were merely mentioned “in a portion of a document that on its face is unrelated to the Epstein and Maxwell matters.” This distinction is crucial as public scrutiny intensifies around figures named in the files.

The broad sweep of materials includes records concerning Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell, references to individuals connected to Epstein’s activities—including government officials—and documents related to civil settlements, immunity deals, plea agreements, non-prosecution agreements and sealed arrangements.

For French authorities, the investigation represents part of a renewed commitment to examine possible ties between Epstein and prominent French figures. Lang’s high profile as a former government minister and cultural institution leader makes the case particularly sensitive in France, where questions about potential institutional protection of well-connected individuals have persisted.

The Arab World Institute, known locally as Institut du Monde Arabe, stands as a significant cultural bridge between France and the Arab world. Founded in 1980 through a partnership between France and 22 Arab countries, it houses a museum, library, and hosts cultural exhibitions aimed at promoting understanding of Arab civilization. Lang’s leadership of the prestigious institution had enhanced its prominence in French cultural circles before his recent resignation amid growing questions about his connections.

The case highlights the global nature of the Epstein scandal, which continues to unfold years after the financier’s 2019 death in a Manhattan jail cell while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. Investigators in multiple countries are examining how Epstein maintained relationships with influential figures across politics, business, academia, and entertainment while allegedly operating a vast sex trafficking operation.

As the Paris investigation continues, it underscores the broader international effort to uncover the full extent of Epstein’s network and hold accountable anyone who may have facilitated or benefited from his criminal activities. For French authorities, the stakes extend beyond individual accountability to questions about institutional oversight and possible systemic failures that may have enabled Epstein’s operations to continue undetected for years.