France vows full probe into diplomat's alleged Epstein links, disciplinary action underway

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot committed Sunday to pursuing the internal investigation into a French diplomat's alleged connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein "all the way," stating that disciplinary proceedings have already been launched. In a joint interview with France Inter, Franceinfo, and Le Monde, Barrot emphasized the ministry would "obviously ensure that responsibilities can be established" while acknowledging it remains "a little early" to determine how accountability might be assigned.

Diplomat's History and Allegations

The case involves diplomat Fabrice Aidan, whose alleged exchanges with Epstein dating to 2010 emerged when he was working at the UN on secondment from France. Barrot disclosed that Aidan had previously been subject to a US investigation for viewing child pornography—a matter the Foreign Ministry had not questioned him about at the time. The minister confirmed he referred the case to prosecutors under Article 40 of France's Code of Criminal Procedure after learning of the revelations on February 10, describing himself as "appalled" and "outraged" by the allegations.

Broader Investigation Context

Aidan was also associated with Norwegian diplomat Terje Rod-Larsen, who alongside his wife Mona Juul faces corruption investigation in Norway linked to Epstein. Barrot could not confirm what information Aidan may have shared with Epstein. The investigation follows the US Justice Department's January 30 release of over 3 million pages of documents under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, including grand jury transcripts and investigative records, though survivors criticize the disclosure as heavily redacted and incomplete. Epstein was found dead by suicide in a New York City jail in 2019 awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges.