European Countries in Epstein Files: Victims and Recruited Women from Poland, Latvia, Lithuania, and Beyond
Recent revelations from the Jeffrey Epstein files, released by the U.S. Department of Justice in massive tranches (including nearly 3 million documents), have spotlighted connections to victims and recruited women from various European countries. These documents—encompassing emails, passport data, travel records, recruiter correspondence, and more—suggest Epstein’s network targeted young women and models, particularly from Central and Eastern Europe, often under the guise of modeling opportunities or financial assistance.
Several European nations have launched investigations into potential human trafficking linked to these files, focusing on recruitment for sexual exploitation in the United States. Below is a breakdown of the countries mentioned in connection with victims, recruited women, or related references in the Epstein files.
Poland 🇵🇱
Poland emerges as a significant focus in the latest Epstein documents. References include emails from recruiters (such as one from Daniel Siad, described as a “scout” for Epstein) mentioning “girls already waiting” in Poland, contacts in Kraków, and groups of “women or girls” offered to Epstein. Warsaw is described in reports as a potential hub for travel and recruitment in Central and Eastern Europe, with the region portrayed as a “hunting ground” for procuring young women.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced an analytical task force to examine the files for potential Polish victims, including possible abuse of minors. Authorities are reviewing document by document, with potential for a full investigation or requests to the U.S. for additional materials. While no prominent Polish politicians are directly implicated in abuse, the revelations have prompted concerns over exploitation and even possible links to broader networks.
Latvia 🇱🇻
Latvia has been directly referenced through passport data, travel details, and correspondence involving Latvian women and modeling agencies. Emails and documents suggest recruitment efforts targeting Latvian nationals, including models, for potential sexual exploitation in the U.S.
In response, Latvian police, prosecutors, and the Organised Crime Bureau launched a criminal investigation into possible human trafficking. President Edgars Rinkēvičs called for the probe after public broadcaster reports highlighted the mentions. Authorities have urged potential victims to come forward.
Lithuania 🇱🇹
Similar to its Baltic neighbor, Lithuania appears in the files with references to models and possible recruitment. Media reports noted names of Lithuanian models and arts figures, prompting swift action.
Lithuanian prosecutors announced a human trafficking investigation shortly after the releases, with President Gitanas Nausėda advocating for law enforcement scrutiny. The probe centers on whether Lithuanian nationals were targeted for exploitation tied to Epstein’s network.
Norway 🇳🇴
Norway’s links are more tied to elite connections than direct victim recruitment in the highlighted files. Documents confirm interactions involving figures like former Foreign Minister Børge Brende (who planned a 2019 visit to Epstein’s Manhattan townhouse) and references to Crown Princess Mette-Marit’s previously unknown friendship with Epstein.
While no widespread reports detail Norwegian victims in these specific releases, the broader European elite ties have sparked discussions, though less emphasis on recruited women compared to Eastern European countries.
Sweden 🇸🇪
Sweden appears indirectly through individuals like Daniel Siad (a Swedish citizen involved in scouting women in Eastern Europe, including Poland and Slovakia). Some correspondence mentions Swedish models or contacts, but direct victim recruitment from Sweden is not as prominently featured as in Baltic or Polish cases.
One notable tie involves a former Swedish UN official who resigned after revelations of a 2012 visit to Epstein’s island.
Slovakia 🇸🇰
Slovakia features in emails and messages between Epstein and former Foreign Minister Miroslav Lajčák (who resigned as national security adviser following the releases). Discussions reportedly included references to “gorgeous” girls alongside diplomatic topics. Recruiters like Siad mentioned searches in Slovakia for women.
Media reports highlight Slovak girls in the documents, contributing to scrutiny of political elite involvement.
United Kingdom 🇬🇧
The UK has long-standing documented ties to Epstein, including flight logs showing dozens of arrivals/departures from UK airports (nearly 90 flights identified in investigations). British women have alleged abuse, with some testifying in related trials (e.g., Ghislaine Maxwell’s case). Victims were recruited in the UK, trafficked to the U.S., or abused on British soil.
Reports indicate three or more British women appear in records as allegedly trafficked, with flights post-2008 conviction noted.
France 🇫🇷
France connects primarily through associate Jean-Luc Brunel, a model agent accused of supplying underage girls to Epstein (he died by suicide in a French jail while facing rape charges). Epstein’s Paris apartment served as a European base, and some recruitment or travel involved French modeling networks.
While direct French victims are mentioned less prominently in the latest Eastern Europe-focused releases, historical ties remain significant.
Key Takeaways and Ongoing Developments
The Epstein files underscore a pattern of targeting vulnerable young women, often from Eastern Europe, via modeling agencies or promises of opportunity. Countries like Poland, Latvia, and Lithuania have responded most aggressively with probes, reflecting concerns over human trafficking. Western European nations (UK, France, Norway) show more elite network ties, while Sweden and Slovakia bridge political and recruitment elements.
These revelations continue to unfold, with governments urging victims to come forward and potential for international cooperation. The full scope of victims remains under investigation, emphasizing the global nature of Epstein’s alleged operations. For the latest updates, refer to official sources like the U.S. Department of Justice releases or national authorities in the affected countries.
