Overview
While the most extensively documented abuse occurred at Epstein’s U.S. properties, his trafficking network operated internationally. The international dimensions involved victim transportation across national borders, recruitment operations in Europe through MC2 Model Management, and travel by Epstein and associates to locations where different legal standards applied.
The MC2 International Connection
MC2 Model Management, the modeling agency co-owned by Jean-Luc Brunel, was the primary international recruitment arm. MC2 operated in:
- France (Paris baseBrunel’s home territory)
- Eastern Europe (Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakiawhere economic vulnerability and modeling dreams made young women susceptible)
- Brazil (Brunel had longstanding Brazilian modeling connections)
Young women recruited through MC2 were presented with opportunities for legitimate modeling work in the United States and Europe. Some of these women were minors. They were transported across national borders on visas that described them as models or visiting workers.
Victim Transportation to Europe
Virginia Giuffre’s testimony and flight logs establish that Epstein transported young women to European locations, including London (where Maxwell had connections) and Paris (Epstein’s apartment). The cross-border movement established elements of federal sex trafficking statutes.
The Vienna and Paris Connections
Epstein maintained social and business connections in Vienna and Paris. His fake Austrian passportfound during a 1997 searchlisted a Saudi address, reflecting the international infrastructure he maintained. His Paris apartment near the Foch Avenue served as a European base.
Legal Framework: International Trafficking
Federal trafficking charges are enhanced when victims are transported across international borders. The SDNY charges referenced transportation across state and national lines as establishing jurisdiction. The international dimensions of the networkwhile less fully prosecuted than the domestic elementswere referenced in indictments and civil complaints.
Jean-Luc Brunel
Brunel was arrested in Paris in 2020, held on related charges, and died in custody in February 2022his death ruled a suicide, a parallel that invited significant public commentary given its similarity to Epstein’s death. His death meant the international MC2 operation was never fully prosecuted.