France’s former culture minister resigns over Epstein-linked tax fraud probe

Associated Press (AP)CenterEN 2 min read 100% complete by Updated [hour]:[minute] [AMPM] [timezone], [monthFull] [day], [year]February 8, 2026 at 01:23 PM

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Former French Culture Minister Jack Lang resigned as head of the Arab World Institute in Paris following allegations of past financial ties to Jeffrey Epstein. The resignation came after the release of Epstein files by the U.S. Department of Justice on January 30, which mentioned Lang's name over 600 times. French financial prosecutors opened an investigation into Lang and his daughter, Caroline, for alleged aggravated tax fraud laundering related to an offshore company in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Lang's lawyer stated he denies the allegations, but resigned to protect the interests of the Arab World Institute, which he had led since 2013. The French Foreign Ministry, which oversees the institute, has begun searching for Lang's replacement.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Jean-Noël Barrot 30% Laurent Merlet ×230% François Mitterrand 40% U.S. Department of Justice 40% Caroline Lang ×250% French Foreign Ministry ×260% Arab World Institute (IMA) ×370% France ×270% Jeffrey Epstein ×380% Jack Lang ×790%

Keywords

jack lang 100% jeffrey epstein 90% tax fraud 80% resignation 70% epstein files 70% arab world institute 60% financial links 60% tax investigation 60% culture minister 50%