French authorities have launched a special task force to investigate crimes linked to deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and his network, Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau told RTL radio on Sunday. Since February, around 20 people have come forward, including about 10 previously unknown alleged victims.

Beccuau stated that investigators are examining Epstein's computer, phone records, and address books, and will seek international assistance. No suspects have been questioned yet, as the probe aims to fully understand Epstein's connections with key figures in France.

Epstein died by suicide in 2019 while awaiting trial. The U.S. Justice Department recently released the 'Epstein files,' naming numerous high-profile individuals. In France, former culture minister Jack Lang is the most prominent figure mentioned; he denies any wrongdoing.

Other French-linked figures include modeling agent Jean-Luc Brunel, who died by suicide in 2022, and former Elite executive Gerald Marie, who faces similar charges but denies them. Suspected recruiter Daniel Siad is also under investigation in Paris.

The Epstein scandal has reverberated globally, implicating figures like former U.S. Presidents Donald Trump and Bill Clinton, UK's Prince Andrew, Norway's Crown Princess Mette-Marit, and former Prime Minister Thorbjorn Jagland. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces criticism for appointing Epstein associate Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the U.S.

Source: www.dw.com