Two French ministers have called on their government to investigate any ties the country might have to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
“The American investigation has highlighted ties with France. It therefore seems fundamental to us, and for the victims, that an investigation should be opened in France so that all the light is shed on this matter,” Equality Minister Marlene Schiappa and Child Welfare Minister Adrien Taquet said in a joint statement Monday. “Epstein’s death must not deny his victims the justice they are entitled to.”
“We would like to use this occasion to highlight again our utmost determination to protect young girls from sexual violence and especially from being exploited by criminal networks, and this should result in new measures being announced during the final quarter of this year.”
Epstein, who was being held in prison for alleged sex trafficking, frequently visited Paris with his private jet. Prosecutors revealed earlier this month that Epstein used a fake passport in the 1980s in his travels to France.
Schiappa and Taquet’s request for an investigation comes days after the billionaire was found dead in his Manhattan jail cell.
Justice Minister Nicole Belloubet said he did not believe it was the government’s responsibility to open an investigation.
Federal agents raided Epstein’s private island Monday, but said they could not “provide any further detail unfortunately.”
