Head of prestigious French institute resigns over Epstein links

Jack Lang, the president of the Arab World Institute, is under investigation over alleged “aggravated tax fraud laundering”

Jack Lang, the president of France’s Arab World Institute, has offered his resignation after his past contact with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein triggered a money laundering probe at home, according to several media outlets.

The move followed the announcement on Friday by French prosecutors that they opened a preliminary investigation into Lang – a veteran French politician who has served as culture and education minister – and his daughter Caroline for alleged “aggravated tax fraud laundering.”

The probe was launched after revelations by investigative outlet Mediapart into possible financial links to Epstein. The files do not suggest that Lang was involved in the late financier’s sexual crimes.

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Lang’s name appeared hundreds of times in US Justice Department documents released in late January. Mediapart reported that Caroline Lang was listed to receive €5 million ($6 million) in Epstein’s will. Both have denied any wrongdoing.

However, in a letter cited by France Info, Lang told French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot that the “toxic” climate of “personal attacks” risked harming “this magnificent institution,” adding that he wanted to “calmly refute” accusations before an extraordinary board meeting.

Founded in 1980 by France along with 18 Arab countries, the Arab World Institute is a Paris-based cultural center that promotes understanding of the Arab world through exhibitions, debates, education programs, and a museum.

Epstein died in a New York jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal charges of sex trafficking involving underage girls. While his death was ruled a suicide, it fueled speculation that the financier was murdered to prevent testimony on alleged crimes committed by influential US figures.

The release of the Epstein files has also triggered renewed scrutiny of several public figures, including former UK ambassador to Washington Peter Mandelson, who was accused of receiving payments from the financier. The Mandelson scandal has become a major blow to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who was accused of failing to properly vet the ex-envoy.