When more than three million files linked to Jeffrey Epstein’s trafficking network were released earlier this year, governments around the world began examining the files for evidence of trafficking and sexual exploitation within their borders.
But while investigations are expanding across Europe and beyond, critics say the United States—where Epstein was first arrested over two decades ago—has been slow to pursue new cases.
Poland and Costa Rica investigate trafficking networks
Polish prosecutors have launched a human trafficking investigation into Epstein’s network, examining whether it recruited and transported women—including minors—abroad for sexual exploitation. Authorities suspect the network misled victims about employment opportunities.
Officials say they are also investigating possible Polish accomplices and have requested assistance from other European countries.
In Costa Rica, prosecutors have launched an investigation after the newly released files revealed 324 references to the country. Authorities are examining allegations that Epstein’s associates visited Costa Rica and may have been involved in the sexual exploitation of minors.
The associates include Ghislaine Maxwell—Epstein’s partner and accomplice—who according to the documents, told Epstein she was traveling to Costa Rica and planned to meet the newly elected president in 2010. Former president Laura Chinchilla has since said she was unaware of who Maxwell was before the events became public.
Reported by EL PAÍS, Karen Jiménez, president of the College of Professionals in Criminology of Costa Rica said:
The FBI identified a couple of US citizens who came to Costa Rica to negotiate the possibility of having sex with minors and whom they managed to arrest during a meeting,
Experts say the country has long struggled with criminal groups targeting vulnerable children in tourist areas. The newly released files have renewed attention on whether international trafficking networks operated there.
Europe takes action
Across Europe, the response has been even broader. Authorities in several countries have opened new investigations and commissions examining possible crimes linked to Epstein’s network.
In Norway, pressure is mounting on Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre as voters express outrage over the revelations. Former prime minister Thorbjørn Jagland faces corruption charges tied to his relationship with Epstein, while Norwegian diplomat, Mona Juul, resigned amid scrutiny over revelations that Epstein left her children millions of dollars in his will.
France has opened two investigations linked to the Epstein files—one focused on possible sex trafficking and another examining potential financial crimes. French authorities were already investigating former culture minister Jack Lang and his daughter over allegations of tax fraud and receiving money tied to Epstein.
Last month, UK police arrested Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly the Duke of York. The arrest came amid an investigation into allegations that he shared confidential government information with Epstein while serving as Britain’s trade envoy.
Meanwhile, US officials say there are no cases to prosecute
Leaders across the world say the investigations into Epstein’s network are necessary to ensure accountability for powerful individuals implicated in the files. But the position taken by the US Department of Justice differs sharply. Despite the scale of the document release and renewed scrutiny of Epstein’s network, US Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche says the files do not contain evidence that would allow prosecutors to bring new cases.
Julie E. Stuestøl, a member of Norway’s parliament said:
In Norway and across Europe, the instinct has been transparency and formal investigations, … In the US, it looks more like containment.
She added, “The contrast is striking.”
Recently, members of Congress launched investigations into how the US government handled Epstein’s case and whether powerful individuals avoided scrutiny.
Today, as investigations unfold across multiple countries, authorities must prioritize delivering justice to survivors and holding powerful figures accountable worldwide.
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