French police executed a raid on the Arab World Institute in Paris on Monday as part of an ongoing investigation into former French culture minister Jack Lang and his daughter Caroline Lang. This action follows the revelation that Lang’s name appeared 673 times in the files related to Jeffrey Epstein, a figure central to numerous allegations of sexual abuse and financial misconduct. The investigation, which focuses on the “laundering of aggravated tax fraud,” was initiated on February 6, 2023, according to statements from France’s National Financial Prosecutor.
The raid targeted multiple locations linked to the Langs, with authorities scrutinizing correspondence that spanned from 2012 to 2019. Lang, 86, resigned from his position as president of the Arab World Institute on February 7, 2023, just one day after media outlets reported on his connections to Epstein. His resignation followed scrutiny of requests made to Epstein, which included seeking the use of his private vehicle and plane for personal use, as reported by Radio France Internationale.
The Arab World Institute describes itself as a “symbol of the partnership between France and twenty-one Arab countries,” aimed at fostering cultural dialogue. Under Lang’s leadership, the institute has aimed to bridge cultural gaps and celebrate shared histories.
Caroline Lang’s involvement in the investigation deepens the scrutiny surrounding the family. She was linked to Prytanee LLC, a company based in the U.S. Virgin Islands that Epstein founded in 2016, in which she held a 50% stake. Financial records indicate that the company had approximately $1.4 million in its accounts and was purportedly established to support young artists. Caroline, who has worked as a film producer, briefly led the Independent Production Union before resigning three weeks into her role. She has described her relationship with Epstein as that of an “acquaintance,” claiming she was “incredibly naive” and received “no remuneration, or any benefit” from the fund.
In a separate but related matter, Caroline Lang was named in a will signed by Epstein two days before his death in August 2019, which promised her $5 million. She asserts she was unaware of the will and has not received any money from it.
Jack Lang served as France’s culture minister from 1981 to 1986 and again from 1988 to 1993, and he is credited with initiating France’s annual Fête de la Musique festival. He has publicly denied the allegations against him, labeling them as “unfounded.” Lang claims he was introduced to Epstein approximately 15 years ago by film director Woody Allen.
In response to the unfolding situation, French President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu summoned Lang to appear before the Foreign Affairs Ministry ahead of his resignation. As the investigation progresses, Paris prosecutors have established a dedicated team to analyze the Epstein files, collaborating with the national police and the financial prosecutor’s office. They are exploring multiple potential cases emerging from the extensive documentation linked to Epstein.
The ramifications of this investigation could extend well beyond the Lang family, as authorities continue to delve into the intricate web of connections surrounding Epstein and his associates. The outcome may have significant implications for cultural institutions in France and beyond.
