By Fatma Younis
UK police forces across the country have opened or expanded investigations into the late financier Jeffrey Epstein and Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, following the release of two million documents by the US Department of Justice earlier this year.
Police Scotland examines Balmoral visit
Police Scotland announced on 30 October that it is in the early stages of an investigation into the time Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor spent with Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell at Balmoral in 1999. The force said it had received “information” and that inquiries are evidence‑led, with victim survivors at the centre. Photographs previously released by the US Department of Justice appear to show the two men on a shooting trip at the Highland estate.
Thames Valley Police arrest prince on misconduct suspicion
In February, Thames Valley Police arrested Andrew Mountbatten‑Windsor on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The force is assessing claims that the former prince shared confidential reports from his role as UK trade envoy with Epstein, and that a woman was sent to the UK by Epstein for a sexual encounter with the royal at Royal Lodge in 2010. In May, the force appealed for Epstein survivors to come forward.
Surrey Police investigate historic child sexual abuse allegations
Surrey Police said on 19 May it is investigating two separate allegations of historic child sexual abuse. One report relates to locations in Surrey and Berkshire from the mid‑1990s to 2000; the other to west Surrey in the mid‑ to late‑1980s. The inquiries follow an FBI report from July 2020, included in the released files, which alleged sexual abuse against Andrew Mountbatten‑Windsor and Ghislaine Maxwell in Surrey in the mid‑1990s.
Forces review airport links and flight records
Essex Police is assessing information about private flights to and from Stansted Airport after former prime minister Gordon Brown said the documents showed Epstein used the airport to “fly in girls from Latvia, Lithuania and Russia.” Bedfordshire Police is reviewing material relating to London Luton Airport, while Norfolk Police said it is reviewing documents but has not received any allegations. West Midlands Police is assessing information about private flights into and out of Birmingham Airport.
Metropolitan Police investigate Lord Mandelson
The Metropolitan Police has launched an investigation into Lord Mandelson, a 72‑year‑old former government minister, for misconduct in public office offences. The probe follows a referral from the UK government after the document release alleged he passed market‑sensitive information to Epstein. Wiltshire Police is assisting the Met with its investigation.
National coordination group established
The National Police Chiefs’ Council set up a national coordination group earlier this year to support UK forces seeking information from overseas law enforcement. A spokesperson said the volume of material and complexity of international jurisdictions mean assessments will take time, but policing is taking the matter extremely seriously.
