UK police confirmed Tuesday that they are “assessing” information contained in newly released US Department of Justice Epstein files, which suggest women were trafficked by private plane into Britain. The announcement by Essex Police follows growing calls for a deeper probe into the disgraced former prince Andrew’s links to the late US financier Jeffrey Epstein.
Flight Records Under Scrutiny
The statement referenced private flights into and out of Stansted Airport, but did not mention Andrew directly. However, pressure has mounted since a BBC investigation in December revealed nearly 90 flights linked to Epstein arrived at or departed from UK airports, some carrying British women who claim they were abused.
Former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown has urged police to investigate further, writing in the New Statesman last week that authorities may have failed to properly examine vital evidence. Brown argued that “British authorities had little or no idea who was being trafficked through our country, and for whom other than Epstein.”
Andrew’s Position
Andrew, stripped of his royal titles last year by King Charles III after allegations he was trafficked to have sex with one of Epstein’s victims, has consistently denied wrongdoing. He could not be reached for comment following the latest disclosures.
Earlier this month, Thames Valley Police also confirmed it was assessing misconduct in public office allegations against Andrew, after reports suggested he may have passed confidential information to Epstein while serving as a UK trade envoy. Buckingham Palace has since voiced “concern” and pledged support for police inquiries.
New Revelations
Adding to the controversy, the Financial Times reported Tuesday that emails show Andrew agreed to help negotiate an $8-billion cash-for-oil swap between a Chinese sovereign wealth fund and the rulers of the United Arab Emirates during an official visit to China. The correspondence allegedly involved Epstein, even while the financier was under house arrest for a 2008 conviction.
Outlook
The Essex Police review marks the latest step in what could become a wider investigation into Epstein’s UK connections. With mounting political and public pressure, the scrutiny of Andrew’s past dealings is likely to intensify, raising fresh questions about accountability and oversight in Britain’s handling of the case.
