"FILE - This March 28, 2017, file photo, provided by the New York State Sex Offender Registry shows Jeffrey Epstein. France opened an investigation on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019  into the rape of minors and a raft of other charges linked to the Jeffrey Epstein case, the chief Paris prosecutor announced. A statement by prosecutor Remy Heitz said the decision to open a preliminary investigation was based on ""elements transmitted"" to his office and ""exchanges with American authorities, competent in the so-called Epstein affair."" (New York State Sex Offender Registry via AP, File)"