Members of the European Parliament have called for EU institutions to take part in the investigation of the allegations surrounding the late American billionaire Jeffrey Epstein, who was accused of trafficking minors. Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, the chair of the European Parliament's Committee on Security and Defense, emphasized the necessity for agencies such as Europol and EU bodies specialized in anti-money laundering to systematically evaluate the available data. She argued that international collaboration is vital for effectively uncovering cross-border networks involved in such crimes.

The call for investigation comes in the wake of the recent release of documents related to Epstein's case, which have prompted scrutiny of former European officials who may have financial ties to the convicted sex offender. Concerns have been raised about the potential involvement of high-profile individuals in illicit activities, and the investigation could reveal significant insights into financial dealings that may have facilitated Epstein's actions.

As the discussions unfold in the European Parliament, there is a growing momentum for comprehensive investigations that may bring to light the extent of Epstein's network and highlight the responsibilities of institutions in addressing such grave allegations. The implications of these findings could lead to policy changes within the EU concerning the oversight of financial transactions and stronger regulations against trafficking and related crimes.