UK Police Start New Team for Epstein Case

UK police have created a new national team to investigate claims connected to Jeffrey Epstein. The team will look into possible links in Britain and examine allegations against people like Prince Andrew and Peter Mandelson. This is to help coordinate the work of different police forces.
By Newsroom | UK News, Crime |

Recent revelations stemming from the Jeffrey Epstein case files have prompted UK police forces to establish a dedicated national unit. This new group will coordinate efforts to investigate alleged connections between Epstein's activities and Britain, including claims against his associates. Several prominent figures, including Prince Andrew and Peter Mandelson, are subjects of ongoing police scrutiny.

Police set up national group to deal with UK-related Epstein allegations - 1

Investigations Target Royal and Political Figures

A new national police group has been formed to handle allegations of Jeffrey Epstein's trafficking having ties to the UK. This unit will examine claims against individuals connected to Epstein, including Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, and former politician Peter Mandelson. While Epstein operated a network involving international travel and exploitation, these investigations focus on potential British involvement and the actions of his associates within the UK.

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  • Prince Andrew faces scrutiny for alleged misconduct in public office. Specifically, police are reviewing claims that he shared government information, including sensitive trade reports, with Epstein.

  • Peter Mandelson is under criminal investigation for alleged misconduct in public office, related to claims he leaked market-sensitive information to Epstein during his tenure as Business Secretary.

  • The establishment of this national unit signals a broad effort to address any UK-centric aspects of the Epstein scandal.

Thames Valley Police are actively assessing allegations concerning Prince Andrew. These claims include:

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  • Whether the former prince shared government information, such as reports on visits to Singapore, Hong Kong, and Vietnam, with Epstein.

  • The nature of Prince Andrew's relationship with Epstein when he served as the UK's trade envoy.

  • Concerns that Epstein may have provided Prince Andrew with a woman for sexual activity at Royal Lodge in 2010.

Prince Andrew has consistently denied all wrongdoing. King Charles III has expressed the Royal Household's readiness to support police inquiries. The King has also taken steps to distance the monarchy from Prince Andrew, having previously stripped him of his royal titles and recently requiring him to move from Royal Lodge.

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Peter Mandelson Faces Criminal Investigation

The Metropolitan Police have opened a criminal investigation into Peter Mandelson, a former Cabinet minister and Labour peer. The investigation focuses on alleged misconduct in public office.

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  • The core of the allegations suggests Mandelson may have leaked market-sensitive information to Epstein.

  • These alleged leaks are believed to have occurred during the financial crisis when Mandelson served as Business Secretary.

  • Mandelson has resigned his membership of the Labour Party and announced his retirement from the House of Lords.

  • While the opening of an investigation does not imply guilt, it signifies sufficient grounds for a formal inquiry.

Broader Investigations and Police Coordination

Beyond the specific cases of Prince Andrew and Peter Mandelson, police forces are assessing other potential UK links to Epstein's activities.

  • Thames Valley Police are investigating separate claims against Prince Andrew, and whether these claims warrant a full criminal investigation is still being determined.

  • Surrey Police are reportedly looking into another allegation involving Prince Andrew.

  • Essex Police have not confirmed whether they are investigating claims that Stansted Airport was used for flights connected to Epstein's trafficking operations.

  • The current structure is that each police force retains operational control, with the new national group acting as a coordinating body.

  • Gordon Brown, former British Prime Minister, has called for police action regarding potential use of UK facilities.

  • Graham Smith, CEO of the anti-monarchy group Republic, has reported allegations to the police.

Expert and Public Reaction

The ongoing investigations have drawn comment from various public figures and groups.

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"Police should take action." - Gordon Brown, former British Prime Minister, on potential use of UK facilities.

"Mandelson should be stopped from returning to Lords." - Baroness Harriet Harman, former Leader of the House of Commons, expressing strong disapproval and suggesting measures to hold Mandelson accountable. She conveyed a sense of shock regarding the depth of the alleged wrongdoing.

  • The establishment of the national unit is seen as a step toward a more unified approach to complex, potentially cross-jurisdictional allegations.

  • The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) is engaged in discussions with police forces regarding the Prince Andrew allegations.

Conclusion and Next Steps

The formation of a national police group underscores the gravity with which UK authorities are treating the Epstein-related allegations. The investigations into Prince Andrew and Peter Mandelson are advancing, with police forces coordinating their efforts.

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  • The primary focus remains on establishing facts and determining if criminal offenses have occurred.

  • Further updates are anticipated as investigations progress and more evidence is reviewed.

  • The engagement with the CPS indicates a move towards potential prosecutorial advice.

  • The coordinated approach aims to ensure a comprehensive examination of all UK-related aspects of the Epstein case.

Sources:

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did UK police create a new unit?
Police made a new team to work together on claims that link Jeffrey Epstein's activities to the UK. This helps them share information better.
Q: Who is being investigated?
Police are looking into claims about Prince Andrew and Peter Mandelson. They are checking if they had any part in activities linked to Epstein.
Q: What are the claims against Prince Andrew?
Police are checking if Prince Andrew shared government information with Epstein. They are also looking into his relationship with Epstein.
Q: What is Peter Mandelson accused of?
Peter Mandelson is being investigated for possibly sharing secret market information with Epstein when he was a government minister.
Q: Will there be more news?
Yes, police are still looking into the claims. More information may come out as the investigations continue.