Jean-Luc Brunel (September 18, 1946 – February 19, 2022) was a French model scout and close associate of Jeffrey Epstein who maintained over 6,000 email exchanges with Epstein spanning from 1991 to 2026. Brunel founded MC2 Model Management with Epstein's financing and was accused of procuring young women and girls for Epstein's sex trafficking operation. According to a sworn declaration by Virginia Giuffre, Brunel "would bring young girls (ranging to ages as young as twelve) to the United States for sexual purposes and farm them out to his friends, especially Epstein", and "Epstein has told me that he has slept with over 1,000 of Brunel's girls". The archive documents extensive coordination between Brunel and Epstein regarding models, travel arrangements, and business matters, with Epstein writing to Brunel that he would "have some ideas. that i think you will like" in April 2015. Brunel was arrested in France in December 2020 on charges of rape and sex trafficking of minors and was found dead in his Paris prison cell on February 19, 2022, in an apparent suicide.
Background#
Jean-Luc Brunel began his career in the modeling industry in Paris in the 1970s and gained prominence by leading the international modeling agency Karin Models, which he owned from approximately 1986. According to bookkeeper Maritza Vasquez's sworn testimony, Brunel operated Karin's Models in Paris from "1986", and Vasquez herself was hired at Karin's Miami office in 1998.
In 1988, Brunel was the subject of a CBS 60 Minutes investigation in which multiple young models accused him of rape, groping, and drugging their drinks. According to a confidential due diligence report, "CBS spoke to five models who said that Brunel and/or his friends had drugged and raped them". John Casablancas, founder of Elite Model Management, told CBS: "There was a little group, Jean-Luc, Patrick Gilles, and Varsano...They would invite girls and put drugs in their drinks". Producer Craig Pyes stated: "Hundreds of girls were not only harassed, but molested", and Jerome Bonnouvrier, former president of Elite, told CBS: "Jean-Luc likes drugs and silent rape". The allegations sparked no formal investigation at the time, and Brunel continued working in the fashion industry.
In 2003, Brunel dissolved Karin's Models. According to Vasquez's testimony, "He made a dissolution. He dissolved the company" in 2003, transitioning to the new entity MC2 Model Management. The opening party for MC2 was held in late 2003 or early 2004, though the company formally began operations in October 2005. According to Brunel's own lawsuit against Epstein, MC2 had offices in "New York, Miami, and Tel Aviv".
MC2 Model Management as Trafficking Front#
Financial Structure and Epstein's Control
According to public reporting and court documents, Epstein provided substantial financing for MC2. Vasquez testified that Epstein provided a $1 million line of credit from J.P. Morgan: "A million dollars, it was, at that time". She stated that Epstein was "the grantor of the Line of Credit. Because the Line of Credit came from J. P. Morgan directly, but he was the grantor". A February 2011 JPMorgan due diligence report confirmed: "MC2 Model Management received $1 million from Epstein in 2005".
According to Brunel's lawsuit against Epstein, "In 2006, Plaintiffs received a letter of credit from Epstein at 5% interest. Plaintiffs then made an investment totaling one-million dollars with Elite Paris". A New York Post article reported that Epstein "reportedly gave 'millions' to start MC2".
Vasquez also testified that she saw documents from Epstein's office "giving instructions to Jean-Luc saying that he wanted to have the same contracts as -- uh, what's his name, of Donald Trump, and that he wanted to have the same kind of benefits for the scouters". This indicates Epstein exercised direct control over MC2's business model.
An industry insider quoted in the New York Post explained the company name's significance: "E equals MC squared...get it, like the equation? E equals Epstein. He just thinks everyone is too dumb to figure it out".
Visa Fraud and Immigration Schemes
A bombshell June 2008 Department of Justice memorandum titled "Operation Leap Year" documented federal prosecutors' knowledge of the visa fraud scheme. AUSA Marie Villafana wrote: "a witness here in the Palm Beach area came forward recently to inform the FBI about a link between Epstein and the MC Modeling Agency. The witness stated that Epstein and the head of MC2, Jean Luc Brunel, worked together to obtain fraudulent visas to bring potential models to the United States. The witness stated that Epstein selected some of the underage girls to come to the United States even though Brunel never intended to use them as models so that Epstein could engage in sexual activity with them".
The memo also noted: "Some of the messages describe young girls that he would like Epstein to meet (including a 16-year-old who would 'teach Russian' to Epstein)".
Vasquez confirmed the visa fraud operations in her testimony: "Many, many girls were coming here first without a visa, without a working visa. Most of the girls, they were coming in to the States as tourists". She testified that she provided names to immigration attorney Luis Font for visa processing.
The Operation Leap Year memo reveals that the FBI attempted to interview Brunel about the visa fraud, but "he refused to speak with them".
Housing Models in Epstein-Controlled Apartments
Vasquez testified that Epstein provided apartments where models lived, but MC2 charged the models rent that Epstein never collected. She stated that models were charged "$1,000/month rent" for Epstein-owned apartments that "Epstein provided rent-free to Brunel". There were "2-3 apartments with 4 girls per apartment". Vasquez maintained a "models' apartment list" and "chargeback for models apartments" as part of MC2's operations.
Business Violations and Financial Irregularities
A February 2011 JPMorgan due diligence report documented that MC2 was cited by the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation for "acting as a talent agent without a license". The report also noted that MC2 had federal tax liens totaling "$593,789".
Vasquez testified that Brunel "presented false statements" to Epstein showing the company was profitable when it "always was in red".
Tel Aviv Operations
MC2's Tel Aviv office was confirmed in multiple documents. According to a due diligence report, MC2 in Tel Aviv represented models including Candace Swanepoel, Marina Lynchuk, Natalia Chabanenko, and Elisa Sednaoui. Brunel owned an 85% stake in the operation, and his role was described as "scouting" and "international relations".
Partnership Structure
According to a New York Post article, Jeffrey Fuller was Brunel's partner at MC2. Fuller stated: "Jean-Luc Brunel and I are the only two partners and owners of MC2 Model Management".
A civil complaint filed by victim B.B. alleged: "Upon information and belief, former Elite executive, Gerald Marie, is also involved with MC2. Mr. Marie was accused of having sex with underage models in a 1999 BBC documentary where he was filmed saying he hoped to seduce contestants in a modeling contest in which the average age of the participants was fifteen".
Virginia Giuffre's Specific Allegations Against Brunel#
Sexual Abuse Allegations
In a sworn declaration dated January 19, 2015, Virginia Giuffre made extensive allegations against Brunel. She stated under oath:
"I also had sexual intercourse with Jean Luc Brunel many times when I was 16 through 19 years old" (¶47).
Trafficking and Procurement Allegations
Giuffre described Brunel's role as a procurer in detail:
In the Jane Doe #3 Joinder Motion filed January 2, 2015, Giuffre's attorneys stated:
"Epstein sexually trafficked Jane Doe #3 to Jean Luc Brunel many times".
Participation in Orgies with Maxwell and Epstein
Giuffre alleged that all three principals participated together in sexual abuse:
In her sworn declaration, Giuffre stated: "Epstein, Brunel, and Maxwell loved orgies with kids — that is, having sexual interactions with many young teenagers at the same time. Sometimes as many as ten underage girls would participate in a single orgy with them" (¶51).
Scale of Brunel's Procurement Operation
Giuffre made an extraordinary claim about the scale of Brunel's operations:
"Jeffrey Epstein has told me that he has slept with over 1,000 of Brunel's girls" (¶51).
She described her own role in the procurement network: "I was one of the main procurers of girls for Epstein, but Brunel was also one of the main procurers" (¶48).
Connection to Prince Andrew Allegations
In describing her third sexual encounter with Prince Andrew, which she alleged took place at an orgy on Epstein's island, Giuffre stated:
The Jane Doe #3 Joinder Motion stated: Jane Doe #3 was "forced to have sexual relations with...a member of the British Royal Family, Prince Andrew (a/k/a Duke of York)...in an orgy with numerous other under-aged girls".
Request for Criminal Investigation
On May 4, 2015, Giuffre's attorney Paul Cassell wrote to the Metropolitan Police Service requesting investigation of "International Sex Trafficking by Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell" in London, specifically referencing the trafficking of his client to Prince Andrew.
Other Victims' Testimonies About Brunel#
MC2 Bookkeeper Maritza Vasquez
In a sworn statement dated June 15, 2010, Maritza Vasquez, who worked as MC2's bookkeeper, provided firsthand testimony about Brunel's conduct with underage models:
"One day he told me that he wishes he can sleep with one of those girls that was underage".
Vasquez witnessed Brunel taking 15-year-old girls to Epstein's house and confirmed that some models staying in Epstein apartments were "13 or 14". She testified that she confirmed a 14-year-old model was taken to a discotheque and police were called.
Vasquez also testified about Brunel attending a New Year's party on Epstein's island (2004/2005) and regularly taking models to Epstein's house and apartments.
60 Minutes Investigation and Model Testimonies
A confidential due diligence report preserved extensive quotes from the 1988 CBS 60 Minutes investigation. The report stated:
"CBS spoke to five models who said that Brunel and/or his friends had drugged and raped them".
John Casablancas, founder of Elite Model Management, told CBS: "There was a little group, Jean-Luc, Patrick Gilles, and Varsano...They would invite girls and put drugs in their drinks".
Producer Craig Pyes stated: "Hundreds of girls were not only harassed, but molested".
Jerome Bonnouvrier, former president of Elite, told CBS: "Jean-Luc likes drugs and silent rape".
International Procurement Operations#
Ecuador Connection
Vasquez testified about an international procurement operation extending to South America. She stated that "when Jeffrey Epstein went to Ecuador, Jean-Luc told me that he has to bring girls and this and that, because Jeffrey was coming to Ecuador". This reveals that Brunel coordinated procurement beyond the United States and Europe, with a key contact named Sergio Cordero handling the Ecuador operations.
Model Scouting and Discovery Operations
According to a due diligence report, Brunel discovered Latvian model Ginta Lapina "via an MC2 scouting competition for young teens". MC2's legitimate modeling competitions thus served as recruitment pipelines.
Civil Litigation and RICO Allegations#
B.B. RICO Complaint
In a civil RICO complaint filed by victim B.B., Brunel was named alongside Epstein, Maxwell, and others as part of a criminal enterprise. The complaint alleged:
"Jeffrey Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell, Jean Luc Brunel, Alfredo Rodriguez, and the modeling agency MC2" "for personal pleasure and sexual gratification, in violation of the law, deliberately engaged in a pattern of racketeering that involved obtaining underage (under the age of 18) girls, to engage in sexual contact for money".
Brunel v. Epstein Lawsuit
In 2014, Brunel and MC2 filed suit against Epstein in Miami-Dade County (Case No. 14-21348). According to the complaint, Brunel sued Epstein for damages caused by Epstein's "illegal activities and media coverage linking the plaintiffs to Epstein".
The lawsuit documented multiple business losses:
- Multiple lost business relationships with photographers and overseas agencies refusing to work with MC2
- Loss of $1 million investment in Elite Paris venture because Elite "severed the agreement due entirely to these false links"
- Claimed $10 million in lost profits
The complaint also noted that MC2 was cited for operating without a talent agent license. The lawsuit referenced the 1988 CBS 60 Minutes broadcast: "In 1997 Mr. Brunel was on the television program '60 Minutes' where there were allegations he took advantage of young models that were high on drugs" (the date appears to be an error; the broadcast was in 1988).
Brunel also sued Tyler McDonald and Yi.Org for hosting defamatory websites.
This lawsuit was the root cause of the 2015 dispute documented extensively in email correspondence between Brunel and Epstein.
Correspondence with Epstein#
The archive documents a sustained correspondence between Brunel and Epstein spanning more than three decades, with 6,067 emails exchanged between them. Brunel appears as both sender and recipient throughout the archive, with 3,055 emails sent by Brunel and 2,955 emails where he was a direct recipient.
Early Period and Business Coordination
Emails from the late 2000s and early 2010s show frequent coordination on models, travel, and business matters. In November 2009, Brunel forwarded to Epstein a concerning internet search result linking his name to escort services, prompting Epstein to write "I know. It is malicious there is only this on a google search. Someone has done it deliberately to harm".
In June 2010, an exchange regarding photographs shows Epstein and Brunel discussing models, with Epstein writing "it is the same girl as in the photo with you" and later commenting "she's fat" about a lingerie photo. In March 2013, Brunel coordinated with Epstein about a model traveling between Moscow and Paris, with Epstein asking for contact details for the woman (thread).
In May 2012, Lesley Groff emailed Brunel: "Hello Jean Luc...l understand you will be coming by to see JE tonight??", documenting visits to Epstein's residence. In October 2010, Brunel corresponded about arranging for a Ukrainian model to come to New York "on an invitation letter" through MC2.
2015 Mediation Efforts
A significant dispute between Brunel and Epstein appears to have emerged by 2015, stemming from Brunel's lawsuit against Epstein for business damages. In April 2015, Epstein reached out: "I have some ideas. that i think you will like, can we see each other next week?". Brunel responded that he would "not be in NY next week".
The dispute escalated sufficiently that Matthieu de Boisseson, a mutual friend, attempted to mediate. In April 2015, de Boisseson wrote to both parties describing his effort to "facilitate a first exchange of views between both of you" and recommending that "a settlement should imply a compensation for damage incurred to MC2 and Jean-Luc Brunel". When Epstein asked "is there a proposal and structure", de Boisseson responded that a resolution might include "a lump sum acceptable by both of you, together with statements or steps appropriate to restore MC2 and JL's image".
By early April 2015, Brunel wrote to Epstein expressing distress: "Health wise, I don't feel better since I am out of work and I don't know how I can restore my reputation in the future". He thanked Epstein "for the time i have spent in your building" and suggested that Matthieu "might be available from the mid of April" as a mediator.
Attempts at Reconciliation
Despite the dispute, Epstein continued reaching out. In September 2015, shortly before Brunel's birthday, Epstein wrote: "hope you have a good birthday friday. . Im happy to speak to you whevever you feel ready. . I miss our talks". In November 2015, Epstein informed Brunel that "i spoke to michel, we agreed a process forward, I am happy to see you when you like" and asked about Brunel's hernia operation.
When they crossed paths in Paris in March 2015, Epstein wrote: "saw you walking on rue rivoli, very very glad you are well. I leave tonite". Brunel responded that he was "here until tomorrow Germany and telaciv".
In April 2016, Epstein wrote: "I miss talking to you. I am ready to sit with you at your convenience. there are many things happening that may satisfy your needs". However, correspondence in the archive shows limited interaction after 2015, and the relationship appears to have remained strained despite reconciliation attempts.
Discussion of Legal Strategy
Fragmentary emails from 2026 (likely misdated messages from earlier years) show Epstein advising Brunel on legal matters. In one exchange, Epstein wrote: "Ask every question you can think of, did she have sex with the girls Make her sit and take the fifth to every question for hours". This points to aggressive deposition tactics. Another email references someone with "bad press lately, very bad" and concerns about "the market".
Connections#
Brunel's most extensive documented connection in Epstein's network was with Jeffrey Epstein (alias) himself, with whom he exchanged 5,279 emails. He had regular coordination with Lesley Groff (107 shared emails), Epstein's longtime assistant, who facilitated meetings and visits. Brunel also corresponded with Abi Schwinck (53 emails), an MC2 employee, and Andrew Nikou (39 emails).
Other correspondents include Jeff Fuller (34 emails), identified as MC2 staff; Daniel Siad (33 emails); Steve Hanson (29 emails); Rich Kahn (28 emails), Epstein's accountant; and Dominique Nameche (26 emails).
Notably, Brunel had correspondence with Boris Nikolic (bgC3) (15 emails) and Boris Nikolic (14 emails), Epstein's science advisor; Joshua Fink (13 emails); Eva Dubin (11 emails); and Ghislaine Maxwell (7 emails), Epstein's closest associate.
According to Giuffre's First Request for Production, her legal team specifically grouped Brunel with other core conspirators in Document Request No. 6, requesting: "All documents relating to communications with any of the following individuals from 1999 - present: Emmy Taylor, Sarah Kellen, Eva Dubin, Glen Dubin, Jean Luc Brunel, and Nadia Marcinkova". This grouping suggests Giuffre's attorneys viewed Brunel as part of the inner circle of Epstein's trafficking operation.
Flight logs show "NADEA" (Nadia Marcinkova) appearing alongside other passengers on Epstein's planes during periods when Brunel was also traveling in the network.
A January 2016 email from Gianni Serazzi documents a business relationship that had soured. Serazzi wrote to Brunel: "Unfortunately our friendship has arrived to its end", accusing Brunel of hiring away his Paris modeling agency staff, resulting in "the end of that company, the loss of the license, my financial loss of over 100k". Serazzi wrote: "I was not interested in your girls, parties or money". The remark suggests awareness of Brunel's lifestyle.
Document References#
Brunel appears extensively in investigative documents and court filings related to Epstein. In a 2016 deposition of Alan Dershowitz, Dershowitz stated: "I have no memory of ever meeting a man by that name" when asked about Brunel, and confirmed he had no knowledge of Brunel's "role...in Jeffrey Epstein's life".
A 2023 shareholder derivative complaint against JPMorgan Chase details the bank's internal concerns about Epstein's activities. An internal March 2011 JPMorgan report stated that "MC2 Model Management and Jeffrey Epstein engaged in racketeering that involved luring in minor children for sexual play for money" and noted that MC2's owner was a "frequent passenger on Epstein's private jet and often visited Epstein in jail". The report concluded: "It is unknown if the money was given as a secret investment or payment for services as a procurer". Despite this report reaching senior executives, JPMorgan continued banking Epstein until 2013.
The same complaint documents that between 2008-2013, JPMorgan executive Jes Staley and Epstein exchanged 1,200 emails, and in December 2010—after the 2008 conviction—JPMorgan granted Epstein a new $50 million line of credit despite ongoing knowledge of "new allegations of an investigation related to child trafficking".
FBI investigative documents from 2025 summarizing allegations in the Epstein case include references to Brunel. One FBI summary compiled allegations from victims, noting that witnesses "stated Brunel and Epstein were close and traveled often together" and that one victim "stated she saw Brunel on Epstein's Island". An FBI task list from July 2025 includes Brunel among a group of individuals for whom agents were instructed to "build out new spreadsheet w all the derog on them".
Following Brunel's arrest in December 2020, a Washington Post email from an August 2019 DOJ official indicated that the Bureau of Prisons investigation into Epstein's death would "also report that we're looking into Jean Luc Brunel".
Visits to Epstein Properties#
The archive documents coordination for visits to Epstein's properties but does not contain detailed visit logs or schedules for Brunel specifically. Email correspondence shows:
Manhattan townhouse: Multiple documented visits coordinated through assistants. In May 2012, Lesley Groff wrote asking "will be coming by to see JE tonight??". In February 2015, Groff coordinated a potential meeting while "Jeffrey will be in Paris Sat. Feb. 28th-Sat March 7th", with Brunel responding he was "in Milano until 4th". In April 2015, Brunel thanked Epstein "for the time i have spent in your building". This suggests an extended stay at Epstein's Manhattan residence.
Paris: Multiple meetings documented. In March 2015, Epstein wrote: "saw you walking on rue rivoli", confirming both were in Paris at the time. Email correspondence shows Epstein traveled to Paris frequently and coordinated meetings with Brunel there.
Little St. James island: Victim statements summarized in FBI documents indicate "she saw Brunel on Epstein's Island". Vasquez testified that Brunel attended a New Year's party on Epstein's island (2004/2005). Giuffre's sworn declaration states she was forced to have sex with Brunel "at Little St. James (orgies)" and describes orgies on the island with "approximately eight other young girls" where her assumption was that "Jean Luc Brunel got the girls from Eastern Europe".
Palm Beach: Giuffre's sworn declaration specifically names "Epstein's mansion in West Palm Beach" as one of the locations where she was forced to have sex with Brunel. Vasquez testified that she witnessed Brunel regularly taking models, including 15-year-old girls, to Epstein's Palm Beach house.
New York City: Giuffre stated under oath that she "had to have sex with Brunel at...New York City".
New Mexico: Giuffre's declaration lists "New Mexico" among the locations where she was forced to have sex with Brunel.
Paris and South of France: Giuffre testified that she was forced to have sex with Brunel in "Paris, the south of France".
California: Giuffre listed California as another location where she was forced to have sex with Brunel.
Flight logs documented in public reporting place Brunel on at least two dozen flights aboard Epstein's private jet between 2000 and 2005. Flight logs show Brunel listed as a passenger, sometimes under variations including "JEAN LEPRUNCE" or "JEAN LUC ARUNDEL" or "JLB", on Epstein's Boeing 727 and Gulfstream flights.
Criminal Activity#
Jmail believes society has a moral obligation to fully investigate all potential perpetrators in Epstein's extensive network.
The documented evidence in this archive, combined with public allegations and French criminal charges, implicates conduct potentially relevant to multiple federal criminal statutes:
The correspondence documents Brunel's role coordinating international travel for young models and maintaining a close relationship with Epstein throughout the period of Epstein's sex trafficking operation. A March 2011 JPMorgan internal report stated that "MC2 Model Management and Jeffrey Epstein engaged in racketeering that involved luring in minor children for sexual play for money", conduct within the scope of 18 U.S.C. § 1591 (sex trafficking of children) and 18 U.S.C. § 1594 (general provisions related to sex trafficking).
The June 2008 Operation Leap Year memo documented that federal prosecutors had evidence that "Epstein and the head of MC2, Jean Luc Brunel, worked together to obtain fraudulent visas to bring potential models to the United States" and that "Epstein selected some of the underage girls to come to the United States even though Brunel never intended to use them as models so that Epstein could engage in sexual activity with them". This documented visa fraud scheme is relevant to 18 U.S.C. § 1546 (fraud and misuse of visas, permits, and other documents) when used in furtherance of sex trafficking.
Virginia Giuffre's sworn declaration alleges that she "had sexual intercourse with Jean Luc Brunel many times when I was 16 through 19 years old" at multiple locations including Little St. James, Palm Beach, New York City, New Mexico, Paris, the south of France, and California. She further alleges that Brunel "would bring young girls (girls ranging in age from 12 to 24) to the United States for sexual purposes and farm them out to his friends, including Epstein". These allegations, if substantiated, would constitute violations of 18 U.S.C. § 2421 (transportation for illegal sexual activity) and 18 U.S.C. § 2423 (transportation of minors).
Brunel's documented frequent travel on Epstein's aircraft—appearing in flight logs on at least two dozen trips between 2000 and 2005—during the period when Epstein was actively trafficking minors, combined with victim testimony that Brunel "was one of the main procurers of girls", establishes his role in interstate and international transportation of victims.
MC2 bookkeeper Maritza Vasquez testified that Brunel told her "he wishes he can sleep with one of those girls that was underage" and that she witnessed him taking 15-year-old girls to Epstein's house, with some models in Epstein apartments being "13 or 14". This employee testimony corroborates the pattern of targeting underage victims.
The sustained coordination documented in the email archive, including discussions of models, photographs, and business arrangements related to MC2, combined with evidence that MC2 served as a vehicle for trafficking, falls within 18 U.S.C. § 371 (conspiracy to commit offense) and 18 U.S.C. § 2 (principals; aiding and abetting).
The civil RICO complaint filed by B.B. formally alleged that "Jeffrey Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell, Jean Luc Brunel, Alfredo Rodriguez, and the modeling agency MC2" engaged in "a pattern of racketeering that involved obtaining underage (under the age of 18) girls, to engage in sexual contact for money", which if proven would constitute violations of 18 U.S.C. § 1962 (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations).
French authorities charged Brunel with rape of minors, sexual harassment, criminal associations, and human trafficking for sexual exploitation. He was being held for trial when he died in custody in February 2022. For a comprehensive overview of potentially applicable statutes, see Criminal Statutes.