Around 10 new suspected victims have come forward in a French investigation into Jeffrey Epstein's network, prosecutor Laure Beccuau announced on May 17, 2026 [1, 2, 3, 4]. This brings the total to about 20 suspected victims who have made themselves known since Beccuau urged potential victims to come forward in February 2026 [1, 2, 3, 4].
French magistrates are examining possible offenses committed within France or involving French perpetrators who helped facilitate Epstein's crimes [1, 2, 3, 4]. Investigators are reviewing Epstein's computers, telephone records, and address books as part of the probe. "We have also once again pulled out Mr Epstein’s computers, his telephone records, his address books," Beccuau said [4].
Authorities are seeking international cooperation and trying to arrange interviews with some victims currently abroad so they can be heard in Paris. "A certain number of them are abroad, so the investigators have tried to set up meetings to suit when they are able to come to Paris," Beccuau said [4].
French police searched Epstein's luxury Paris apartment in September 2019, shortly after Epstein died in a US prison in August 2019 while facing trafficking charges [1, 3, 4]. French authorities arrested the late model agent Jean-Luc Brunel in 2020 after allegations he procured victims for Epstein and abused minors. Brunel died in prison in 2022 [1, 4].
Suspected victims include women involved in probes into former European model agency boss Gerald Marie. In March 2026, 15 women called on France to investigate Marie for possible links to Epstein [1, 4]. Two former models told AFP they were groomed by a scout who delivered them to Epstein or Marie in previous decades [1, 4].
As of May 17, 2026, none of the potentially implicated individuals have been questioned [3]. Prosecutors say for now their priority is to listen to victims. "The choice we’ve made for the time being is to listen to these victims," Beccuau said [4]. The investigation continues with no confirmed charges yet.
