UK police are reviewing information suggesting that women may have been trafficked into Britain on private planes linked to convicted US sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The assessment follows the recent release of long-awaited records from the US Department of Justice detailing Epstein’s activities.
Essex Police said they are “assessing the information that has emerged in relation to private flights into and out of Stansted Airport following the publication of the US DoJ Epstein files.” The statement did not specifically mention former Prince Andrew, who has previously been accused of involvement with Epstein.
However, pressure has been mounting from prominent figures, including former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown, to investigate Andrew’s connections to dozens of flights dating back decades. A BBC investigation found nearly 90 flights linked to Epstein arrived at or departed from UK airports, some reportedly carrying British women who allege they were abused by Epstein.
In response to the new files, Thames Valley Police confirmed earlier this month that they were “assessing” allegations of misconduct in public office against Andrew. This follows reports that he may have shared potentially confidential documents with Epstein while serving as a UK trade envoy.
The controversy has drawn attention from the royal family. King Charles III expressed “concern” over Andrew’s actions and confirmed that Buckingham Palace would support police in their assessment. Andrew, now stripped of his royal titles and known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, has denied any wrongdoing.
Recent disclosures also reveal that emails show Andrew may have coordinated with Epstein on an $8-billion cash-for-oil deal involving a Chinese sovereign wealth fund and the rulers of the United Arab Emirates, dating back to Epstein’s 2008 house arrest.
The investigation underscores growing scrutiny over how much British authorities knew about Epstein’s flights and whether victims were trafficked through the UK without oversight.
