The release of millions of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein's activities has prompted a significant increase in police investigations across the United Kingdom. Several police forces are now working together under a newly formed national group to examine allegations that have emerged, with a particular focus on individuals and potential offenses connected to the UK.
Police Unify Efforts Amidst Epstein Document Release
The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC), representing police leaders nationwide, has established a national coordination group. This group is designed to assist police forces that are currently assessing information and allegations arising from the extensive Epstein files released late last month. The initiative aims to ensure a consistent approach to these complex investigations.
The NPCC stated the group supports forces "assessing allegations" and works to understand any "potential impact" from the published documents.
Police are encouraging anyone with relevant information about alleged crimes to come forward.
Scope of UK Investigations Widens
Multiple police forces have confirmed their involvement in assessing claims linked to the Epstein files. This includes examining connections between Epstein's network and prominent figures, as well as potential criminal activity occurring within the UK.
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Thames Valley Police is reviewing two separate claims concerning Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, and whether these allegations warrant a full criminal investigation. They are also assessing claims related to his time as a UK trade envoy and an alleged sex trafficking complaint.
Surrey Police is examining separate allegations made against Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
London's Metropolitan Police (The Met) has launched an investigation into Peter Mandelson, following the emergence of files that suggest he may have passed confidential information to Epstein. The Met is also reviewing other potential offenses connected to the Epstein files.
Essex Police is assessing information regarding private flights to and from Stansted Airport, in light of details present in the latest document release.
"A national coordination group has been set up to support a small number of forces assessing allegations that have emerged following the publication of the US DoJ (Department of Justice) Epstein files." - NPCC Spokesperson
National Coordination and Force Autonomy
While a national group has been formed to support and coordinate efforts, individual police forces retain operational control over investigations within their respective jurisdictions. The aim is to pool resources and expertise to effectively manage the complexity of the allegations.
The coordination group is available to support forces undertaking assessments or investigations.
However, each force remains accountable for investigating potential offenses that occurred within its boundaries.
This structure ensures that while there is a unified national response, local responsibilities are maintained.
Focus on UK-Related Allegations and International Links
The investigations are specifically looking into the ties between Epstein's activities and Britain, as well as allegations against his associates. The National Crime Agency is now involved, indicating the seriousness and national importance of the inquiries. There is also potential collaboration with the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) to obtain unredacted documents.
Allegations suggest that some victims of Epstein were abused in the UK, according to Brad Edwards, a lawyer representing Epstein’s victims.
Reports indicate that one of Epstein’s victims claimed she was sent to the UK for a sexual encounter with Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
French authorities have also opened new lines of inquiry into alleged human trafficking and financial wrongdoing related to Epstein, underscoring the international dimension of the fallout.
Key Figures Under Scrutiny
Several prominent individuals are currently subjects of police interest due to their documented links with Epstein.
| Individual | Allegations / Involvement | Current Police Action | Denial of Wrongdoing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor | Friendship with Epstein; alleged sex trafficking complaint; claims of sexual encounters. | Thames Valley and Surrey Police assessing claims; Met investigating other offenses. | Yes |
| Peter Mandelson | Friendship with Epstein; alleged passing of confidential information. | Met launched a criminal probe. | Not stated |
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
King Charles III previously stripped his brother of his royal titles in an effort to distance the royal family from the ongoing scandal.
Peter Mandelson is facing a criminal investigation after files suggested he may have shared market-sensitive information with Epstein.
Expert and Public Reactions
The unfolding situation has drawn attention from various figures, with calls for police action and transparency.
Former British Prime Minister Gordon Brown has stated that police should take action regarding any potential use of Stansted Airport for illicit activities linked to Epstein.
American lawyer Hillary Clinton has reportedly called for Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor to appear before the US Congress.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The establishment of a national coordination group signifies a structured and unified response by UK law enforcement to the complex allegations stemming from the Epstein files. The investigations are ongoing, with multiple forces actively assessing evidence and pursuing inquiries. The involvement of the National Crime Agency highlights the national scope and potential severity of the issues being examined.
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Further assessments will likely involve detailed review of documents, interviews, and potential collaboration with international law enforcement agencies.
The outcomes of these police assessments will determine if any criminal charges are brought forward.
Sources
AP News: https://apnews.com/article/britain-jeffrey-epstein-prince-andrew-sex-trafficking-9a1f4e6fed3169cb94ea2e86bf5ce2cd (Summary focuses on UK police banding together, scandal affecting royals and politics, National Coordination Group, Essex Police assessment of Stansted flights, King Charles' actions regarding Prince Andrew, and links to Peter Mandelson.)
NBC News: https://www.nbcnews.com/world/europe/paris-london-police-open-new-probes-epstein-files-rcna259513 (Summary details French authorities urging survivors, British police assessing private flights, Paris opening inquiries into trafficking and financial wrongdoing, London's Met investigating Peter Mandelson, and the national coordination group looking at Epstein's ties to Britain.)
The Guardian: https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026/feb/14/uk-police-set-up-national-group-uk-jeffrey-epstein-allegations (Summary outlines forces involved like Thames Valley and Surrey assessing claims against Mountbatten-Windsor, Essex police assessing Stansted airport claims, Gordon Brown's call for action, and the fact that it's not yet a national investigation.)
The Sun: https://www.thesun.co.uk/royals/38245662/police-chiefs-step-up-andrew-probe-epstein-bombshells/ (Summary mentions police forces forming a national group to investigate Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Epstein ties, Hillary Clinton's call for Andrew to appear before Congress, Thames Valley, Surrey, and Met assessing claims, and the Met launching a probe into Mandelson.)
Bournemouth Echo: https://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/national/25860363/group-set-support-uk-police-forces-release-epstein-files/ (Summary explains the national coordination group aims for consistency, supports forces assessing allegations, and that each force remains responsible for offenses within its jurisdiction. Quotes NPCC spokesperson.)
The Telegraph: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/02/16/police-join-forces-step-up-andrew-investigation/?msockid=3a93351e0758695631c2221b06556893 (Summary details Met, Thames Valley, and Surrey forming a national unit, Thames Valley assessing claims against Mountbatten-Windsor and a sex trafficking complaint, Surrey looking at separate allegations, and the potential need to liaise with the US DOJ for unredacted documents.)
Observer: https://observer.co.uk/news/national/article/police-establish-group-to-look-into-uk-related-epstein-claims (Summary notes the NPCC group supports forces assessing allegations, Mountbatten-Windsor denies wrongdoing, lawyer Brad Edwards states some victims were abused in the UK, and Met and Surrey police are examining possible offenses.)
PBS NewsHour: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/new-revelations-from-epstein-files-take-a-toll-across-europe (Summary discusses the wider European fallout, Jack Lang stepping down in Paris, and Peter Mandelson facing a criminal investigation for possibly sharing market-sensitive information.)
