In Paris, investigations are underway at the Arab World Institute and several other locations as part of a probe into aggravated tax fraud and money laundering associated with former French Culture Minister Jack Lang and his daughter, Caroline. The National Financial Prosecutor's Office confirmed these raids, initiated following new revelations from the Epstein Files released by the U.S. Department of Justice. These findings raised serious concerns that led to a deeper investigation into the financial activities of Jack Lang and his daughter.

The investigation commenced on February 6 and has since expanded to include various locations relevant to the case, with particular scrutiny on the activities of Jack Lang, a prominent figure in French cultural politics. Pascal Prache, the financial prosecutor, detailed that the ongoing probe aims to uncover the extent of the alleged financial misconduct, necessitating these planned raids. The revelations from the U.S. Justice Department have prompted French authorities to act, reflecting the international implications of the Epstein case and the interconnectedness of various political figures in such scandals.

As the investigation progresses, it highlights the evolving nature of financial and political accountability within France, particularly among individuals in significant cultural and political positions. The scrutiny on figures like Jack Lang may lead to broader discussions about transparency, legal frameworks around political financing, and the consequences of international financial crimes.