BERLIN — Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced Wednesday that his government would establish an analytical team to investigate potential ties between convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and Russian intelligence services. The announcement comes amid growing concerns over a scandal that may have broader implications for national security in Europe.
Tusk stated, “We cannot allow any cases involving the abuse of Polish children by a network of pedophiles under Epstein’s leadership to be treated lightly or ignored.” He added, “The first pieces of information indicate individuals from Krakow who informed Epstein about a group of Polish women or girls.”
Tusk emphasized that questions regarding potential links between Epstein and Russia’s special services must be clarified within the context of Poland’s security. While he did not elaborate on specific connections, he noted that media reports suggest Epstein’s activities might have been exploited by Russian agencies to gather compromising material.
The analytical team will include representatives from Poland’s justice ministry, prosecutor general, police, and national security services. Tusk announced that the group would begin its work immediately with procedures classified to ensure confidentiality.
Tusk also highlighted that prosecutors and special services are planning a detailed and quick analysis of all newly released documents related to Epstein’s case by the U.S. Department of Justice. Some “Polish threads” in this scandal have been identified, he said, emphasizing the urgency for thorough investigation.
The investigative team will be headed by Poland’s justice minister and prosecutor general. They may seek further evidence from American authorities concerning Polish individuals and advocate for an international investigation with other countries.
In response to Russian dismissiveness over the allegations, Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, stated in December that “hypocrisy among Western elites regarding Moscow is exposed” through the Epstein files. She dismissed any suggestions of links between Russia and the scandal.