French financial crime prosecutors have opened a preliminary investigation into former Culture Minister Jack Lang over his alleged financial links to Jeffrey Epstein, judicial sources confirmed.
The inquiry focuses on suspicions of “laundering the proceeds of tax fraud”. It follows the recent release of documents by the US Department of Justice related to the Epstein case, which detail contacts between members of the Lang family and the late American financier.
Jack Lang, 86, a prominent figure in Socialist governments from the 1980s to the early 2000s, has firmly denied any wrongdoing. Speaking to AFP on Saturday, he described the accusations as “baseless” and said the investigation would help “clarify the facts and restore my honour”.
Shortly after news of the inquiry became public, Lang announced that he was ready to step down as president of the Arab World Institute, an organisation dedicated to cultural cooperation between France and Arab countries. In a letter sent to Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, he said he would formally submit his resignation at the institute’s next board meeting.
The foreign minister acknowledged the offer and indicated that preparations to appoint a successor would begin. Until now, Lang had resisted calls to resign despite mounting pressure.
Lang’s daughter, Caroline Lang, 64, is also named in the investigation. Earlier this week, she resigned from her position as head of a French film producers’ union. Both she and her father are mentioned multiple times in the Epstein files, although the documents do not suggest their involvement in Epstein’s sexual crimes.
Jack Lang has said he met Epstein around 15 years ago and was unaware at the time of his criminal background. Epstein was convicted in 2008 in the United States for soliciting a minor and died in a New York prison in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.
According to Lang, he was introduced to Epstein by film director Woody Allen and initially saw him as a supporter of art and culture. Media reports based on the files suggest Lang may have sought financial support or logistical assistance from Epstein, including the use of private transport.
Caroline Lang told French investigative outlet Mediapart that she met Epstein in 2012, when he expressed interest in supporting young artists. She acknowledged being linked to a company created by Epstein’s lawyers but said she neither invested money nor received funds, describing her role as “naive”.
The latest batch of Epstein-related documents names numerous influential figures worldwide. Legal experts stress that appearing in the files does not, in itself, imply illegal activity.
About the author
Togo : améliorer la traçabilité pour conquérir les marchés
Le manque de traçabilité des produits agroalimentaires togolais freine leur accès aux marchés internationaux. Pour y remédier, la Haute Autorité de la Qualité et de l’Environnement (HAUQE) a lancé mardi à Lomé une formation de trois jours destinée aux TPME du secteur, avec le soutien de la GIZ via le programme ProComp. L’objectif est d’accompagner ces entreprises dans la certification de leurs produits et la mise en place de systèmes de traçabilité efficaces, incluant l’identification des lots et le suivi des flux de production. Cette démarche vise à renforcer la confiance des consommateurs et à faciliter l’accès durable aux marchés extérieurs. Le programme ProComp (Programme pour l’Amélioration de la Compétitivité du Secteur Privé au Togo) soutient ces initiatives pour améliorer la performance et la compétitivité des entreprises locales.
Togo : renforcer l’agriculture par le partenariat public-privé
Face aux effets croissants du changement climatique, le Togo cherche à renforcer la résilience de son agriculture grâce à des partenariats public-privé. C’est le message central d’une concertation tenue mardi à Lomé en collaboration avec la FAO. La rencontre a réuni responsables publics et acteurs privés autour de la stratégie nationale pour mobiliser le secteur privé dans des investissements agricoles climato-résilients et développer des partenariats efficaces. Selon la FAO, des financements internationaux sont disponibles pour soutenir le secteur privé dans des solutions durables pour l’agriculture, l’élevage, la pêche et la foresterie.
Togo : lancement d’une campagne nationale contre la polio
Une campagne nationale de vaccination contre la poliomyélite a été lancée au Togo, visant les enfants âgés de 0 à 5 ans, rapporte Le Messager du mercredi 17 mars 2026. Cette opération gratuite s’inscrit dans une riposte sanitaire urgente après la détection, le 20 février dernier, d’un cas de poliovirus de type 2 dans le district sanitaire de Mô, dans la région Centrale. Les autorités sanitaires mettent tout en œuvre pour éviter la propagation de ce virus hautement contagieux et protéger les enfants du pays.
Tehran Residents Live in Fear Amid Airstrikes
Residents of Tehran are living in a state of constant tension as airstrikes and drone attacks hit the city, leaving many fearful for their lives. Footage and testimonies obtained by the BBC reveal a population on edge, always anticipating the next explosion. Baran, a businesswoman in her thirties who requested her name be changed, describes her life as a daily gamble. “With the start of drone attacks, no one dares to go outside. Stepping out of my door feels like risking my life,” she says. She remains in constant contact with friends, tracking each other’s safety, even when silence alone feels threatening. The city’s recent unrest has compounded these fears. Following nationwide protests demanding change in January, thousands of Iranians were killed in a brutal crackdown. Many, like Baran, feel their hopes for reform have been shattered. Security measures are […]
Mort en garde à vue à Notsé : la famille exige justice
À Notsé, la mort de Nestor Akawa, 27 ans, en garde à vue à la brigade d’Agbati suscite indignation et questionnements. Père de deux enfants et originaire de Laokopé, le jeune homme n’est jamais rentré chez lui après son interpellation, révélée par le média AuxNouvelles. L’affaire met en lumière de graves accusations à l’encontre de la gendarmerie. Selon des témoignages diffusés sur la radio Kanal FM le 17 mars 2026, le décès serait lié à une affaire vieille de cinq ans concernant la gestion d’un champ de soja financé par un expatrié. Une somme de 700 000 francs CFA, collectée par Nestor Akawa, avait disparu lors d’un cambriolage. Le dossier, initialement clos, aurait été rouvert récemment par un intermédiaire chargé du suivi du projet. Le jour de son arrestation, des hommes en civil l’auraient approché sous prétexte d’un projet agricole. […]
Morocco awarded AFCON 2025 after CAF ruling
Morocco have officially been crowned champions of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) overturned the initial result of the final against Senegal. The match, played on 18 January, originally ended in a 1–0 victory for Senegal. However, it was marked by controversy when Senegalese players temporarily refused to continue play after a stoppage-time penalty was awarded to Morocco while the score was still level. After a delay of approximately 17 minutes, the game resumed. Morocco’s penalty, taken by Brahim Díaz, was saved, and Senegal later secured victory through an extra-time goal from Pape Gueye. Following a formal appeal by the Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), CAF’s appeal board reviewed the incident and ruled that Senegal’s actions constituted a breach of tournament regulations. As a result, Senegal were deemed to have forfeited the match, which […]
Related
White House says China agrees to postpone Trump Beijing trip
The White House says China has agreed to postpone United States President Donald Trump’s planned visit to Beijing, which was originally scheduled to take place in about two weeks . White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said Washington is now working with Beijing to secure a new date for the trip as soon as possible . Trump had earlier announced that he would delay his Asia tour because of the demands of the ongoing war with Iran, saying he expected to make the trip in about five or six weeks but without giving a firm date . In a response to Reuters, a spokesperson for China’s embassy in Washington said head of state diplomacy plays an irreplaceable role in providing strategic guidance to bilateral relations . The embassy said China and the United States will continue to maintain communication on President […]
Tehran Residents Live in Fear Amid Airstrikes
Residents of Tehran are living in a state of constant tension as airstrikes and drone attacks hit the city, leaving many fearful for their lives. Footage and testimonies obtained by the BBC reveal a population on edge, always anticipating the next explosion. Baran, a businesswoman in her thirties who requested her name be changed, describes her life as a daily gamble. “With the start of drone attacks, no one dares to go outside. Stepping out of my door feels like risking my life,” she says. She remains in constant contact with friends, tracking each other’s safety, even when silence alone feels threatening. The city’s recent unrest has compounded these fears. Following nationwide protests demanding change in January, thousands of Iranians were killed in a brutal crackdown. Many, like Baran, feel their hopes for reform have been shattered. Security measures are […]
Zelensky warns of missile shortage amid conflicts
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned that his country could soon face a shortage of key missiles due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which is diverting military resources away from Ukraine. In an interview with BBC News, Zelensky said the escalation involving United States, Israel and Iran risks weakening Ukraine’s defence efforts. According to him, Russian President Vladimir Putin stands to benefit from a prolonged conflict in the Middle East, as it shifts global attention and resources away from Kyiv. Zelensky expressed concern that peace negotiations with Russia are being delayed, attributing the slowdown largely to the unfolding crisis in Iran. He also noted that rising global energy prices—driven by regional instability—are working in Moscow’s favour while putting additional pressure on Ukraine. A major issue highlighted by the Ukrainian leader is the potential shortage of air defence […]
Iran faces uncertainty after Larijani killing
The death of Ali Larijani, Iran’s senior security official, in an Israeli air strike marks a major turning point for the country’s leadership at a highly sensitive time. Although not a military commander, he played a decisive role in shaping Iran’s strategic direction on security, diplomacy, and conflict. As secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, Larijani was deeply involved in key decisions regarding Iran’s stance toward both United States and Israel. His influence extended across the political system, making him one of the most important figures behind the country’s policy choices. Following the killing of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in late February, Larijani adopted a firm position, indicating that Iran was prepared to sustain a prolonged conflict. His own death now adds to a series of targeted strikes that have eliminated several high-ranking officials and commanders in recent weeks, […]
Iran rejects truce bids as Israel targets top security chiefs
Iran has rejected proposals from foreign intermediaries to ease tensions or agree a ceasefire with the United States and Israel, insisting it is not yet the right time for peace . A senior Iranian official said two countries had passed on ideas to reduce tensions or reach a ceasefire, but Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran’s new supreme leader, turned them down . According to the official, Khamenei told his first foreign policy meeting that there could be no peace until the United States and Israel are brought to their knees, accept defeat and pay compensation . Khamenei’s comments came as the US Israeli war on Iran entered its third week, with at least 2,000 people reported killed and no sign of an end to the conflict . The Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for about 20 percent of global oil […]
Cuba hit by massive nationwide blackout
Millions of residents in Cuba were left without electricity after the country’s national power grid suffered a major collapse on Monday, according to the state operator UNE. The outage affected most parts of the island, marking another serious disruption in an ongoing energy crisis. Authorities said efforts are underway to gradually restore power across provinces and major cities, although the process remains slow and unstable. This latest blackout adds to a series of nationwide outages that have become increasingly frequent in recent years. The situation is largely driven by persistent fuel shortages. The country depends heavily on imported oil to generate electricity, but supplies have sharply declined. Previously, Venezuela provided a significant share of Cuba’s fuel needs, estimated at around half of total consumption. However, those shipments have stopped, worsening the crisis. Pressure has also intensified from the United States, […]