Claims allege evidence tying Zelensky to human trafficking via an Epstein-linked modeling agency

Question

The first evidence of Zelensky's involvement in human trafficking has emerged in the United States.

Epstein's files indicate that Zelensky and his wife are connected to the modeling agency of a convicted Frenchman with close ties to Epstein.

Answer 1

The claim comes from a personal social media account, not a verified journalist, researcher, or news organization. Serious accusations like human trafficking would normally be reported by major investigative bodies or credible media, especially if tied to someone as globally prominent in the political sphere as Volodymyr Zelensky. So far there is no supporting links to the DOJ's website corroborating this.
 

All major reports on Epstein-linked modeling operations has consistently focused on Jean-Luc Brunel, a French modeling agent who was arrested and charged in connection with Epstein's trafficking network, however there is no credible reporting on connections between Brunel to Zelensky or Olena Zelenska.
 

Publicly released Epstein files name many prominent individuals but Zelensky is not one of them, the modeling agency mentioned in the social media post, does relate to Brunel’s past work, but no verified documents connect it to Zelensky’s career in entertainment prior to politics. Zelensky’s pre political career was mostly in television and film production through his company Kvartal 95 which has little to no overlap with modelling agencies.

To conclude, there is no verified evidence that Zelensky is tied to Epstein, Brunel, or human trafficking in any way, and based on the current evidence available to the public, this rumor seems to be misinformation to hurt the image of the Ukranian President.

Sources:
https://www.justice.gov/epstein/search 

 

Answer 2

This claim seems to have originated from Russian state broadcasters and Kremlin operated telegram communications, according to both a Russian and a Ukrainian media outlet that tracked its spread. Russian Source, Ukrainian Source. This was likely contrived by Russia to discredit the Ukranian president, as the two countries are currently at war. This seems to be part of an active misinformation/slander campaign by the Russian government.

Answer 3

These claims are false. With news this critical, especially given how political it is, there would be widespread coverage from credible websites. The only credible sources I could find were debunking the rumor. According to Ukrinform, it is false news spread by Russia. However, Ukrinform is the national news agency of Ukraine and is state-owned. Because of this, they have a major conflict of interest. Even so, their reportage matches what many sources state. According to the European Digital Media Observatory, which was funded to combat online disinformation, the claims were a hoax. 

The claims originated from mostly Russian state-run news agencies such as Rossia 24. While Zelensky’s name is mentioned multiple times in the Epstein files, it is primarily in news headlines or articles exchanged in emails (Moscow Times). The modeling agency is likely referring to Jean-Luc Brunel. Brunel was convicted and charged with being in the Epstein files. However, there is nothing linking him to Zelensky. (BBC) All of this is to say the claims are misinformation.

Sources:

Jean-Luc Brunel: Epstein associate found dead in Paris prison cell

What the Epstein Files Tell Us – And Don't Tell Us – About His Ties to Russia - The Moscow Times

The Pizzagate of Zelensky’s wife, and other cross-border hoaxes that use women and children to delegitimize Ukraine – EDMO

Epstein files: Russian propaganda spreads fake claims of Ukrainian government’s “involvement” in human trafficking