Epstein used modelling agent to recruit girls, Brazilian women tell BBC

March 12, 2026

A BBC News Brasil investigation has uncovered evidence that French modeling agent Jean-Luc Brunel, who later died by suicide while imprisoned on rape charges, systematically used his modeling agencies to recruit young South American women and girls for Jeffrey Epstein. The investigation reveals how Brunel attended modeling competitions targeting teenagers, used his agencies to arrange US visas under false pretenses, and worked with recruiters in Brazil to identify vulnerable young women. One Brazilian woman's mother prevented her 16-year-old daughter from traveling to New York with Brunel in 2004, while another Brazilian woman described how Brunel's agency sponsored her visa solely to facilitate her relationship with Epstein, despite never doing actual modeling work.

Who is affected

Gláucia Fekete, approached by Brunel at age 16 in 2004
"Ana" (pseudonym), a Brazilian woman recruited in her late teens who had a relationship with Epstein
"Laura" (pseudonym), a 16-year-old Western European contestant at the 2004 Ecuador competition
At least one model under 16 who attended the 2004 event and flew on Epstein's plane
Young women and girls from Brazil, Eastern Europe, and other South American countries targeted through modeling competitions and agencies
Other unidentified women referenced as being part of Epstein's circle
Barbara (Gláucia's mother) who protected her daughter

What action is being taken

Brazil's Federal Public Prosecutor's Office (MPF) opened an investigation in February into whether there was a recruitment network in Brazil linked to Epstein. Federal prosecutor Cinthia Gabriela Borges from the national anti-trafficking unit is seeking to speak with women who had contact with Epstein to understand how the system operated.

Why it matters

This investigation exposes how legitimate modeling industry structures were systematically exploited to facilitate international human trafficking and sexual exploitation of minors and young women. The evidence demonstrates a sophisticated transnational network that used visa sponsorships, financial control, and promises of career opportunities to recruit vulnerable victims. The case illustrates how trafficking networks can operate across borders using seemingly legitimate business fronts, and according to experts, these crimes may not be subject to statutes of limitations, meaning those involved could still face accountability. The investigation provides crucial documentation of how Epstein's network operated internationally and identifies specific mechanisms used to transport and exploit victims.

What's next

Federal prosecutor Cinthia Gabriela Borges wants to speak to women who had contact with Epstein to work out how the system operated, with the women themselves not being targets of the inquiry. According to labour inspector and researcher Maurício Krepsky, this type of crime may not be subject to a statute of limitations, so Brazilians involved could still be held accountable.

Read full article from source: BBC