Investigation in France into former government minister, suspicions of his links to Jeffrey Epstein

Financial crime prosecutors in France have launched a preliminary investigation into former Culture Minister Jack Lang on suspicion of "laundering proceeds from tax fraud" in connection with his contacts with American financier Jeffrey Epstein, convicted of pedophilia.

The investigation was opened after the release of Jeffrey Epstein files by the United States Department of Justice, which documented links between the Lang family and the American financier. In these files, Jack Lang's name is mentioned about 700 times.

Jack Lang, 86, one of the most important figures in French socialist governments from the 1980s to the 2000s, has denied any wrongdoing, calling the allegations "baseless." In a statement to AFP, he said the investigation would "shed light on accusations that call into question my honor and reputation."

A few hours after the announcement of the opening of the investigation, Lang resigned from his post as head of the Arab World Institute. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot accepted the resignation and announced that the process to select his successor had begun.

Also under investigation is his daughter, Caroline Lang, 64, who this week resigned as head of a French film producers' union. She said she met Epstein in 2012, when he expressed interest in investing in young artists.

Jack Lang has said he met Jeffrey Epstein about 15 years ago through director Woody Allen and that he had no knowledge of his crimes, describing him as “generous” and “kind.” According to the released files, Lang is alleged to have approached Epstein for funds or various favors, including the use of a private car and jet.

However, the documents released so far do not indicate that Jack Lang or his daughter are involved in Jeffrey Epstein's sex crimes.

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