Epstein files - Situation of Fabrice Aidan

On Tuesday 10 February, following the US Department of Justice’s publication of the files relating to the Epstein case, the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs referred the situations of Fabrice Aidan, a French diplomat mentioned in the files, and all other persons implicated in relations with Mr Epstein to the Public Prosecutor at the Paris High Court under Article 40 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. Regarding Fabrice Aidan’s administrative situation, the Minister also initiated an administrative investigation and a disciplinary procedure.

The Foreign Affairs General Inspectorate has completed its administrative investigation. In accordance with its procedures, it conducted some 30 hearings and heard all members of staff who had knowledge of the situation in 2013. All the Ministry staff who were approached, regardless of whether they are still in post, responded to the summonses sent to them.

The Ministry took the initiative of forwarding the General Inspectorate’s report to the judicial authorities to support the ongoing judicial investigation, as the Minister had indicated. The Ministry places itself at the full disposal of the court, with which it is closely cooperating.

On the basis of the administrative investigation, disciplinary measures are also being considered.