Epstein Facilitator Planned to Expose Crimes, Then Disappeared

French modeling scout Jean-Luc Brunel was in talks to cooperate with prosecutors before backing out

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Federal files obtained by the Wall Street Journal reveal that Jeffrey Epstein's longtime associate, French modeling scout Jean-Luc Brunel, was in secret talks in 2016 to cooperate with New York prosecutors and Epstein victims' lawyers. Brunel was prepared to provide evidence that he had recruited underage girls for Epstein and had compromising photos, but he abruptly vanished from the discussions before any deal could be reached.

Why it matters

This case sheds light on the complex web of enablers and facilitators around Epstein, and how close he may have come to being exposed years earlier if not for the disappearance of a key witness. It also raises questions about the challenges in holding Epstein's associates accountable, even those who were deeply involved in his crimes.

The details

According to the Wall Street Journal report, Brunel was in quiet talks in 2016 to cooperate with New York prosecutors and Epstein victims' lawyers. He was prepared to provide evidence that he had recruited underage girls for Epstein and possessed compromising photos. However, notes from a federal prosecutor show Brunel became so worried about potential prosecution that he was ready to walk into the U.S. Attorney's Office in exchange for immunity, but then he abruptly vanished from the discussions before any deal could be reached.

  • In 2016, Brunel was in talks to cooperate with New York prosecutors and Epstein victims' lawyers.

The players

Jeffrey Epstein

An American financier and convicted sex offender who died in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges.

Jean-Luc Brunel

A French modeling scout who was a longtime associate of Jeffrey Epstein and was allegedly involved in recruiting underage girls for Epstein.

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The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges in holding Epstein's enablers and associates accountable, even those who were deeply involved in his crimes. It shows how close Epstein may have come to being exposed years earlier if not for the disappearance of a key witness, raising questions about the complex web of power and influence that allowed his abuse to continue for so long.