Credited from: SCMP
French financial prosecutors conducted searches at the Paris office of Swiss private bank Edmond de Rothschild as part of an inquiry linked to Jeffrey Epstein. The investigations were initiated based on files released by the U.S. Justice Department and are focused on accusations of bribery involving a French diplomat, Fabrice Aidan, according to Le Monde, South China Morning Post, and Reuters.
The French national financial prosecutor's office stated that the investigation into Aidan stems from a referral by France's Foreign Ministry. It centers on suspicions of passive corruption and complicity involving the former diplomat, who served at the United Nations during the time of the alleged actions, reports Le Monde and South China Morning Post.
Aidan's name appeared in more than 200 documents revealing communications with Epstein, suggesting that he transferred confidential UN materials during their exchanges. Despite these allegations, Aidan has denied any wrongdoing, calling for respect for his presumption of innocence, as stated in reports by Le Monde and Reuters.
The fallout from these revelations has already impacted French politics, highlighted by the resignation of former Culture Minister Jack Lang, who stepped down in February following a preliminary tax fraud investigation prompted by disclosures related to Epstein, according to South China Morning Post and Reuters.
Edmond de Rothschild has affirmed its commitment to cooperating with the ongoing investigation, with its CEO, Ariane de Rothschild, present during the searches. The bank has initiated its own internal inquiry into the allegations surrounding Aidan, who worked there from 2014 to 2016, as per statements from Reuters.