Latvia launches human trafficking investigation after Epstein file release

Demonstrators hold signs aloft protesting Jeffrey Epstein, as he awaits arraignment in the Southern District of New York on charges of sex trafficking of minors and conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of minors, in New York, U.S., July 8, 2019. REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton

VILNIUS, ‌Feb 5 (Reuters) - 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.