French authorities conducted a significant raid at the Arab World Institute in Paris on February 6, 2023, as part of an investigation involving former culture minister Jack Lang and his daughter, Caroline Lang. The inquiry, focusing on allegations of “laundering of aggravated tax fraud,” was initiated after Jack Lang’s name appeared numerous times—specifically 673 instances—in documents associated with the late financier Jeffrey Epstein.
The investigation’s scope has led to searches at multiple locations, as confirmed by the National Financial Prosecutor’s Office in France. Following the emergence of Epstein-related correspondence, Jack Lang stepped down from his leadership position at the Arab World Institute on February 7, 2023, a role he had held since 2013. The correspondence between 2012 and 2019 reportedly included requests from Lang to Epstein for the use of vehicles and private planes for personal and family purposes, as reported by Radio France Internationale.
Details of the Investigation
Caroline Lang has also drawn attention in the investigation due to her involvement with a company called Prytanee LLC, registered in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Euronews reports that she owned a 50% stake in the company, which held approximately $1.4 million in its accounts and was ostensibly created to support young artists. Caroline, a film producer, briefly led the Independent Production Union in January 2023 but resigned just three weeks later. She described her relationship with Epstein as that of an “acquaintance” and claimed to be “incredibly naive,” asserting she received no financial benefits from the company.
Notably, Caroline Lang is mentioned in a will signed by Epstein just two days before his death in August 2019, wherein he promised her $5 million. She has stated that she was unaware of this will and never received the funds.
Jack Lang’s political career has spanned decades, serving as France’s culture minister from 1981 to 1986 and again from 1988 to 1993. He is credited with initiating the annual Fête de la Musique festival in France and claims he was introduced to Epstein through filmmaker Woody Allen around 15 years ago. In response to the allegations, Lang has labeled them as “unfounded.”
Political Reactions and Ongoing Investigations
In light of these developments, French President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu directed Jack Lang to attend a meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs prior to his resignation. Paris prosecutors have since established a dedicated team to examine Epstein’s files, collaborating with both the financial prosecutor and national police to assess multiple potential cases.
The investigation into the Langs underscores broader implications concerning financial governance and accountability, especially in relation to high-profile individuals. As authorities continue to sift through the extensive documentation linked to Epstein, the full extent of the allegations and their impact on the Lang family and the Arab World Institute remains to be seen.
