Epstein Used Modelling Agent to Recruit Girls, Brazilian Women Reveal to BBC
Luiz Fernando Toledo, BBC News Brasil
Warning: This story contains graphic sexual descriptions.
Gláucia Fekete vividly recalls the crossroad that could have drastically altered her life. If I had disobeyed my mother and gone to New York, what might have happened to me? asks Gláucia, reflecting on her experience as a 16-year-old aspiring model from rural Brazil in 2004. French modelling agent Jean-Luc Brunel, a close associate of Jeffrey Epstein, had approached her family, enticing her mother to allow Gláucia to attend a modelling contest in Ecuador. Tragically, Brunel later took his own life in prison, facing charges of rape, sexual assault, and recruitment of minors for Epstein.
At the time, Gláucia and her family had no knowledge of Brunel’s troubling background; he was introduced to them by a well-known Brazilian scout. A BBC News Brasil investigation has uncovered evidence that Brunel exploited modelling agencies linked to him to actively recruit young women and girls from South America for Epstein, even arranging their visas to the United States.
Modelling Agency and Recruitment Links
– Another Brazilian woman, who had a relationship with Epstein, showed the BBC her US visa, revealing that one of Brunel’s agencies sponsored her trip, although she never modeled for him and only traveled to see Epstein.
– Brunel was frequently seen with young Brazilian girls, noted one model who spoke to the BBC.
Gláucia’s mother was initially wary of Brunel but was eventually charmed into letting her daughter attend the contest in Guayaquil. At the event, participants were reportedly aged between 15 and 19. Although Gláucia felt safe during the competition, her unease grew when she was banned from contacting her family.
Disturbing Behaviour
– Another contestant, referred to as Laura, expressed discomfort with Brunel’s behavior, stating, It was odd how he always surrounded himself with young girls… He seemed to be targeting those who were vulnerable.
As the contest concluded, Brunel made a bold offer: to fly Gláucia to New York for modelling shows, covering all expenses. Her mother, Barbara, replied emphatically: No. Not a chance. They were only looking for minors.
Barbara’s refusal proved pivotal. They were only looking for children, minors… unfortunately, they found my daughter. This decision cut ties with Brunel’s network, marking what Gláucia now considers a narrow escape.
Connections to Epstein
Records obtained by BBC News Brasil indicate that Epstein was present in Guayaquil during the modelling competition. Documents reveal that at least one girl under 16 flew on Epstein’s private plane later that year.
Gláucia reflects, Looking back, without knowing, I was in the middle of that storm. My mother saved me.
A Different Experience
Another woman, known as Ana, recounts how Brunel facilitated her connection with Epstein. Initially recruited by a woman in São Paulo, Ana’s life rapidly spiraled out of her control.
– She was a madam, Ana recalled, explaining how she quickly fell victim to exploitation.
Soon after turning 18, Ana was offered up to Epstein, who described himself as the king of the world and expressed a preference for younger girls. She vividly remembers being sent to a luxury hotel, where Epstein made his choice—her.
Ana’s own experiences echo disturbing trends uncovered in past investigations. Brunel had orchestrated her travel to the US and the acquisition of her visa through a modelling agency he controlled, Karin Models of America.
The Visa Trap
– Ana showed the BBC her passport, which contained a US business visa linked to Brunel’s agency, further emphasizing the methodical approach used to entrap young women for Epstein.
Conditions surrounding her trips raised concerns. She was frequently questioned about financial arrangements during her travels, which eventually led to her US visa being canceled.
Ana recalls feeling a false sense of security during her time with Epstein until she discovered how he operated with various women, and she realized the troubling reality of her circumstances.
Ongoing Investigations
Brazil’s Federal Public Prosecutor’s Office has launched an investigation regarding potential recruitment networks tied to Epstein, specifically targeting methods used to manipulate vulnerable youths.
– Prosecutor Cinthia Gabriela Borges has stated that she wishes to reach out to women who had interactions with Epstein to understand the full scope of operations.
Gláucia is grateful for her mother’s protective instincts, while Ana considers herself fortunate to have escaped Epstein’s clutches and rebuilt her life. I think I was lucky, but I feel for the other women, she shared, expressing solidarity with those still struggling.
The revelations surrounding Epstein and his connections to modelling agents highlight a troubling and pervasive issue of exploitation within the industry.
If you or someone you know has been impacted by the topics covered in this story, please visit BBC ActionLine for support and resources.