French police raid Arab World Institute in Epstein-linked probe into Jack Lang

French police conducted a raid at the prestigious Arab World Institute in Paris on Wednesday as part of an investigation into former French culture minister Jack Lang, who is being probed for his alleged connections to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. The operation, which involved dozens of officers, targeted the cultural institution's headquarters near the Seine River as authorities seek evidence related to financial transactions and potential funding irregularities linked to Epstein's international network. The raid represents a significant development in the ongoing investigation that has previously focused on Epstein's associates in France and their potential roles in facilitating his activities across Europe. Jack Lang, who served as culture minister from 1988 to 1993 and again from 2000 to 2002, has previously denied any wrongdoing regarding his relationship with Epstein, though he acknowledged meeting the financier on several occasions. The Arab World Institute, founded in 1980 and known for its distinctive architecture and cultural programs, has not been previously implicated in any wrongdoing related to Epstein's activities.