France raids offices of ex-culture boss over Epstein links

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PARIS — French investigators raided the offices of former culture minister Jack Lang on Monday, prosecutors said, as the fallout grows over his relationship with sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Lang was forced out of his post as head of the Arab World Institute (IMA) earlier this month over alleged financial ties with Epstein.

The 86-year-old has denied any wrongdoing, saying he was "shocked" that his name appeared in the statutes of an offshore company Epstein founded in 2016.

French police officers patrol in front of the Institut du Monde Arabe (IMA - Arab World Institute) during a search as part of investigations entrusted to the National Anti-Fraud Office (ONAF) on the Epstein case linked to its president Jack Lang, at the Institut du Monde Arabe in Paris on February 16, 2026. (Photo by Charlotte SIEMON / AFP)

Lang's daughter Caroline, who allegedly owned half the shares in the company, has resigned from two positions.

The raid, announced by the national financial prosecutor's office, occurred as he said goodbye to former colleagues in a ceremony at the institute after more than a decade as its president.

"I'm pleased to see the financial judiciary is at work," he said during his speech.

"I'm delighted because I have nothing to hide."

Lang's most high-profile role was as culture minister during the presidency of socialist Francois Mitterrand in the 1980s and 90s.