Feb 16, 2026, 1:48 p.mFeb 16, 2026, 4:16 p.m
As part of the investigation initiated into the Epstein case against France’s renowned former culture minister Jack Lang, the financial prosecutor’s office ordered searches.
Jack Lang, now 86 years old.Image: keystone
Among other things, the Paris cultural institute “Institut du Monde Arabe” (IMA) was being searched, as its president Lang resigned after the investigation began, the public prosecutor’s office said.
The search took place at the same time as Lang’s farewell ceremony at the cultural institute. Lang (86) and his daughter Caroline Lang are being investigated on suspicion of money laundering and serious tax fraud.
It was previously known that the names of the two appeared in the documents that were published by the US justice system as part of the affair surrounding the US multimillionaire and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
According to the public prosecutor’s office, the investigation concerns the two’s alleged financial connections to Epstein.
A picture shows Jack Lang and Jeffrey Epstein in front of the Louvre in Paris.Image: keystone
According to media reports, this is about a company founded by Epstein and based in a tax haven, in which Caroline Lang held half of the shares.
Lang rejects allegations
Jack Lang rejected the allegations as unfounded and previously cited his “naivety” regarding his relationship with Epstein. Under pressure from the allegations, he nevertheless offered to resign as president of the IMA.
The socialist Lang was a minister under former President François Mitterrand in the 1980s and 1990s and promoted culture in France like no other.
Among other things, he launched the well-known Fête de la Musique, which is now celebrated worldwide on June 21st. Lang has been at the helm of the renowned cultural institute since 2013. (sda/dpa)