The French financial prosecutor's office carried out a search at the Paris branch of the Swiss private bank Edmond de Rothschild. The action is connected to revelations from millions of documents published online by the U.S. Department of Justice and centers on allegations involving former French diplomat Fabrice Aidan.

What prompted the search

Investigators opened inquiries after documents made public showed Aidan's name in more than 200 files. Some of those files include emails sent to Jeffrey Epstein between 2010 and 2016 from both personal accounts and accounts linked to the United Nations. The files raised concerns that diplomatic or confidential material may have been shared with Epstein.

Key points under investigation

  • Suspected corruption involving a foreign public official.
  • Possible complicity relating to Fabrice Aidan.
  • Searches at the Paris office of Edmond de Rothschild as part of the probe.
  • The case was opened after a referral from the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and following press reports in France.

Who is Fabrice Aidan

Aidan is a former French diplomat who later worked for the private bank Edmond de Rothschild from 2014 to 2016. He then moved to the energy group Engie, which has since dismissed him. French investigative reporting highlighted Aidan after the publication of the U.S. Department of Justice documents on January 30.

What the documents and reporting allege

French investigative outlet Mediapart reported that the published files suggested Aidan may have provided confidential United Nations material to Epstein. Aidan has denied any illegal behavior.

Who is handling the case

The inquiry is being led by the French central office for the fight against corruption and against tax and financial crimes. Authorities are examining the material and following leads on possible wrongdoing tied to the documents released by the U.S. Department of Justice.

So far the public record shows a search of a bank office, a named suspect who denies the allegations, and an ongoing investigation by specialized French prosecutors. Expect updates as investigators review the documents and interview involved parties.