French Prosecutors to Investigate Diplomat as Part of Epstein Probe

NYT Homepage

by Ségolène Le Stradic

February 15, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

French prosecutors have initiated an investigation into Fabrice Aidan, a French diplomat, following three new complaints linked to Jeffrey Epstein's files. The complaints were filed by the Foreign Affairs Ministry, with Mr. Aidan's name appearing over 200 times in Epstein's documents. While merely being mentioned does not imply wrongdoing, the prosecutors are examining whether any offenses under French law have occurred. This move comes as part of a broader probe into the nearly three million pages of U.S. Justice Department-released files, which have exposed numerous wealthy and powerful individuals' ties to Epstein. The investigation also revisits an earlier case involving Jean-Luc Brunel, a former French modeling agent and Epstein associate who died in 2022. The prosecutors aim to uncover potential sexual or financial offenses, reflecting the global implications of Epstein's network. This probe underscores the international efforts to address the fallout from his activities, particularly focusing on European elites. Jade Dousselin, Aidan's lawyer, has denied all accusations and emphasized her client's willingness to cooperate with legal proceedings. The case highlights the scrutiny faced by public figures due to their associations with Epstein, raising questions about accountability for past actions tied to him. This development matters as it demonstrates ongoing efforts to hold individuals accountable for their connections to Epstein's illegal activities, particularly in Europe. It underscores the far-reaching impact of his empire and the need for transparency, especially among influential figures.

Verticals

newsgeneral

Originally published on NYT Homepage on 2/15/2026