BRUSSELS — New documents released by the U.S. Department of Justice shed light on the extensive network of contacts maintained by convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein in Brussels over a decade. The files indicate that Epstein corresponded with influential individuals and modeling agencies concerning women, signaling his planned trips to the Belgian capital, which hosts many of the European Union’s key institutions, between 2010 and 2019. Although these meetings were not publicly disclosed, the emails unveil a series of proposed visits involving Epstein and his alleged intermediaries.
Epstein’s correspondence and modeling agencies
Prosecutors have alleged that Epstein “created a vast network of underage victims for him to sexually exploit.” His emails from 2010 illustrate a continued interest in women in Europe. Among these correspondences was a chain detailing a woman named “Kelly C.” from a Brussels-based modeling agency called Casting Factory, which provided her measurements and noted she had a “very nice temper.” Attempts to contact Casting Factory yielded no results, as the agency no longer has an operational website. A visit to the address linked to the agency revealed an unoccupied building.
Another agency involved in these communications was MC2 Model Management, co-founded by Epstein’s long-time associate Jean-Luc Brunel, who was found hanged in his Paris prison cell in 2022 while facing charges related to child trafficking and sexual assault. MC2 is currently defunct, and efforts to reach them for comments were unsuccessful.
Details of Epstein’s interactions and planned visits
In 2010, Epstein received a message from a redacted source stating, “getting ready for tmrw flight)” and promising to send a new contact number once in Brussels. Another message read, “miss you))))) bisous from Brussels,” with “bisous” translating to kisses in French. In a different exchange, an unknown sender mentioned a video call with a woman deemed “pretty nice,” although her face was not visible. The sender indicated she was “waiting for the visa” and had previously worked as a booker for a modeling agency.
Epstein responded affirmatively to plans for a trip to Brussels. In 2011, an email from his assistant relayed a message from Jean-Luc Brunel, indicating he was heading to Brussels that evening. Further communication outlined a brief visit Epstein planned for January 2019, where he was set to travel by train from Paris with unnamed French and Ukrainian companions, arriving at Brussels’ Gare du Midi for just a few hours.
The documents also reveal that Epstein was given various restaurant recommendations in Brussels. One contact suggested Belga Queen, noted for its elegant ambiance, while the then-foreign minister of Slovakia, Miroslav Lajčák, arranged to meet Epstein at La Brasserie des Étangs Mellaerts, an upscale restaurant. Lajčák faced scrutiny and subsequently resigned from his position after it was revealed he maintained ties with Epstein post his 2008 conviction.
Peter Mandelson, a former British government minister and frequent contact of Epstein, shared his favorite dining spot, L’Idiot Du Village, known for its seafood. He announced his retirement from public office following inquiries into his advance notice to Epstein about a €500 billion bailout during the Greek debt crisis.
Epstein’s communication also included discussions on EU policies. In 2018, he exchanged emails with Steve Bannon about EU regulatory frameworks for cryptocurrencies, highlighting his ongoing interest in financial matters. Additionally, a cybersecurity researcher reached out in 2015 for Epstein’s input on a speech regarding surveillance software regulations at the EU parliament.
Belgium’s Prince Laurent, linked to Epstein by the recently disclosed address book, confirmed meeting Epstein twice and insisted that he acted appropriately, seeking to dispel rumors about his involvement.