Financial crime prosecutors in France say they have opened a preliminary inquiry into former Culture Minister Jack Lang over his links to Jeffrey Epstein.
Lang, a major figure in French socialist governments between the 1980s and 2000s, is being investigated for suspected laundering of tax fraud proceeds.
This inquiry follows the US Department of Justice's release of the Epstein files, which have documented links between the Lang family and the late American sex offender.
Lang, now 86, denies wrongdoing and described the allegations against him as baseless. He told AFP that the investigation will bring much light on to the accusations that are questioning my probity and my honour.
Hours after the investigation was announced, Lang offered to resign as head of the Arab World Institute, a body that promotes cooperation and exchanges between France and Arab nations. He stated he would submit his resignation at the next board meeting.
The former French minister, who is mentioned almost 700 times in the Epstein files, had previously resisted pressure to step down. His daughter Caroline is also under investigation and recently stepped down from her role as head of a French film producers' union.
Lang acknowledged knowing Epstein approximately 15 years ago but claimed ignorance regarding Epstein's illicit activities. He met the financier, who was convicted in Florida in 2008 for soliciting a minor for prostitution, through actor-director Woody Allen, and described him as passionate about art, culture and cinema.
According to media reports, Lang had appealed to Epstein for financial favors, including the use of Epstein's luxury car and private plane. Caroline Lang mentioned that she met Epstein in 2012 when he expressed interest in investing in young artists.
As the investigation unfolds, it remains crucial to note that neither Lang nor his daughter have been implicated in Epstein's sexual crimes, despite their extensive mentions in the released files. Epstein died in a New York prison in 2019 awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.
