French Diplomat Fabrice Aidan Faces Judicial Scrutiny Amid Epstein Investigation

On February 11, 2026, revelations emerged about French diplomat Fabrice Aidan's involvement in the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, leading to swift governmental and judicial responses. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot expressed being "shocked" and "indignant" over documents citing Aidan nearly 200 times in Epstein's archive, including dozens of direct and informal emails exchanged with Epstein.

Barrot announced that he referred Aidan's case to the French judiciary to signal the alleged facts and initiated both an administrative investigation and a disciplinary procedure. The diplomat, who served as Secretary of Foreign Affairs for the East between 2010 and 2017 and has a 25-year tenure at Quai d'Orsay, was suspended from his position at Engie, where he worked while on leave from the Ministry.

Barrot highlighted the gravity of these leaks, cautioning that such documents should be handled within judicial courts rather than circulated on social media, despite media's role in exposing the case. Furthermore, he indicated that additional diplomat names from Epstein's archives might surface, underscoring potential misconduct and influence scenarios involving European political figures.

In parallel, the French political landscape is debating the need for a parliamentary inquiry into the Epstein case. While Jean-Noël Barrot and others focus on judicial processes, Yaël Braun-Pivet, President of the National Assembly, opposes a parliamentary commission, citing separation of powers and emphasizing that such inquiries should not compete with justice. Gabriel Attal, Secretary General of the Renaissance party, stated he would not initiate a parliamentary investigation but remains open to one being formed, noting the international concern surrounding Epstein's activities. Attal prefers prioritizing a commission on social media's impact on youth mental health. The broader Epstein case also led to the resignation of former Culture Minister Jack Lang from the Institut du Monde Arabe amid linked financial investigations.

This development marks a significant escalation in France's engagement with the Epstein investigation, involving government officials at the highest levels and judicial authorities to address the diplomat's conduct and its implications.