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

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.

Jack Lang, a prominent former French culture minister, resigned as head of the Arab World Institute in Paris following the release of documents revealing his past contacts with Jeffrey Epstein. The resignation occurred before an urgent meeting with the French foreign ministry to discuss these links. Simultaneously, French financial prosecutors launched an investigation into Lang and his daughter, Caroline Lang, for suspected "aggravated tax fraud laundering" after their names appeared in the Epstein files. Caroline Lang also resigned from France’s Union of Independent Producers after emails showed she had founded an offshore company with Epstein. The released files, made public by the US Department of Justice, have exposed Epstein's connections and led to fallout for several European figures.

French authorities have opened a preliminary investigation into former Culture Minister Jack Lang for suspected "laundering of tax fraud proceeds" related to his connections with Jeffrey Epstein. The investigation follows the release of US Department of Justice Epstein files documenting links between the Lang family and the deceased sex offender. Lang, who denies wrongdoing, has offered to resign as head of the Arab World Institute. His daughter, Caroline Lang, is also being investigated and has stepped down from her role at a French film producers' union. Jack Lang claims he was unaware of Epstein's crimes when they met around 15 years ago, stating he was introduced by Woody Allen and found Epstein to be interested in art and culture. Reports suggest Lang appealed to Epstein for funds and the use of his private plane.

France is investigating former Culture Minister Jack Lang and his daughter Caroline over their ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The investigation follows the release of documents linking Lang to Epstein, including repeated requests for funds and his daughter's connection to an offshore company co-owned by Epstein. Calls have mounted for Lang to resign from his position as head of the Arab World Institute (IMA) in Paris. Lang denies any knowledge of Epstein's crimes, despite his name appearing frequently in the released files. The French foreign ministry, which funds the IMA, has summoned Lang to a meeting to discuss the matter.