Latvia launches human trafficking investigation after Epstein file release

PHOTO CAPTION: Illustrative photo — The insignia of Latvia’s State Security Service (VDD) is seen on a member’s shoulder. (Latvia public media photo)

By Andrius Sytas (Reuters)

VILNIUS  -  Latvia has launched a criminal investigation into potential human trafficking after the release of documents related to late U.S. sex offender Jeffrey Epstein that included references to Latvian model agencies and models, police in the Baltic nation said on Thursday.

The investigation, which also involves Latvia's prosecutors and its Organised Crime Bureau, will centre on "the possible recruitment of Latvian nationals for sexual exploitation in the United States", police said in a statement.

It has asked potential victims to come forward.

Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics called for the investigation after the public broadcaster reported the Epstein documents included passport data and travel details for several Latvian women.

Eriks Neisans, head of the Natalie modelling agency mentioned in the documents, denied any knowledge of wrongdoing to the public broadcaster.

The U.S. Justice Department's recent release of millions of internal documents related to Epstein has revealed the late financier and sex offender's ties to many prominent people in politics, finance, academia and business - both before and after he pleaded guilty in 2008 to prostitution charges.

Latvia's neighbour Lithuania has launched its own investigation into human trafficking earlier this week.

 (Reporting by Andrius Sytas in Vilnius; Editing by Alex Richardson // REUTERS)