Epstein fallout rocks Europe – and it’s 'just getting started'

In contrast to the relatively muted consequences seen in the U.S., an extensive breakdown from the Global Post on Thursday showed the "intense" fallout of the Epstein files across Europe and Asia, and noted that the scandal was only "just getting started."

The U.S. Department of Justice has been releasing batches of files related to its investigations into deceased sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein since December, in accordance with a law passed by Congress. In the materials released so far, Epstein is shown to have developed a vast network of international contacts within the halls of power, and while evidence of involvement in his crimes may not be concrete for many, these contacts are proving disastrous for the names involved.

As Global Post noted, while the files have caused "a few high-profile resignations in the United States," they have created much more of an "uproar" in Europe and parts of Asia.

In the U.K., one of the biggest names brought down by his association with Epstein was the former prince, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. His connections to the late financier have been long documented, with the late Virginia Giuffre accusing him of sexual abuse. In light of these revelations, he was stripped of his royal title and honors. On Thursday morning, Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, sending shockwaves across the world.

Elsewhere in the U.K., the incumbent Labor Party government is dealing with its own Epstein scandal, after the files revealed Peter Mandelson, the former ambassador to the U.S., maintained friendly contact with Epstein even after his 2008 prison sentence. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has issued an apology to Epstein victims, but so far resisted calls to step down, though his chief of staff and communications director have since departed.

"Still, observers say the country most rocked by the Epstein document release is Norway," the Global Post explained. "Last week, Norway charged former Prime Minister Thorbjørn Jagland with 'gross corruption' following an investigation into his ties with Epstein. Jagland is also the former head of Norway’s Nobel Committee and the Council of Europe. Documents allegedly show that Jagland planned solo and family visits to Epstein’s homes in Paris, New York and Palm Beach after the billionaire was convicted of a child sex offence, the BBC wrote."

Terje Rød-Larsen and Mona Juul, a "Norwegian diplomat couple" involved in Israel-Palestinian peace deals and the Oslo Accords, are facing scrutiny for their Epstein connections, with the late sex trafficker leaving their children $10 million in his will. Borge Brende, the Norwegian chief of the World Economic Forum, claimed to have no knowledge of Epstein's criminal past despite dining with him several times over the years and remaining in touch with him while he was alive.

"But it was revelations of Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit’s friendship with Epstein that have deeply shaken the country," the Global Post detailed. "The princess is married to Prince Haakon, the heir to the throne. In Norway, the royal family is highly respected. However, the allegations added to recent problems for the princess: Her son recently went on trial in Oslo for multiple offenses, including rape. The princess apologized earlier this month to the country. But the damage is done, say observers."

The Global Post's report further touched on the Epstein fallout reaching places as wide-ranging as France, Latvia, Poland, India, Dubai and Israel. In the latter case, Epstein was found to have maintained contact with former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak, who denied knowledge of his crimes and said that he regretted any contact.

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