Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police
We have released a statement regarding allegations relating to non-recent trafficking for sexual exploitation involving Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell and reports suggesting that a police officer was asked to carry out checks on Virginia Giuffre.
Central Specialist Crime Commander Ella Marriott, said: “Our thoughts will always be with Ms Giuffre’s family and friends following her death.
“In 2015, the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) received allegations relating to non-recent trafficking for sexual exploitation involving Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. These allegations primarily concerned events outside the United Kingdom, with one allegation of trafficking to central London in March 2001.
“Officers assessed all available evidence at the time, interviewed the complainant, Ms Virginia Giuffre as well as contacting several other potential victims. This did not result in any allegation of criminal conduct against any UK-based nationals. The MPS sought advice from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and liaised with United States authorities, who were leading investigations into related matters involving US nationals. Following this legal advice, it was clear that any investigation into human trafficking would be largely focused on activities outside the UK and perpetrators based overseas. Officers therefore concluded, in consultation with the CPS, that other international authorities were best placed to progress these allegations. Officers maintained close liaison with the United States and other relevant authorities throughout their investigation to ensure any UK matters could be identified and to consider any support requested.
“A decision was made in November 2016 not to proceed to a full criminal investigation. That decision was reviewed in August 2019 and again in 2021 and 2022; in each instance, the position remained unchanged, and Ms Giuffre and her legal representative were informed.
“Following recent reporting suggesting that Mr Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor asked his Met Police close protection officer to carry out checks on Ms Giuffre in 2011, the MPS has carried out a further assessment. This assessment has not revealed any additional evidence of criminal acts or misconduct.
“The Met remains committed to thoroughly assessing any new information that could assist in this matter. To date, we have not received any additional evidence that would support reopening the investigation. In the absence of any further information, we will be taking no further action. As with any other matter, should new and relevant information be brought to our attention, including in any information resulting from the release of material in the US, we will assess it.”
Background:
- Officers have engaged with the US authorities; however, no information has been provided to date regarding offences in the UK from the files they hold, as part of our standard law enforcement information sharing processes. Should any information be shared with us, we will assess it in line with our standard procedures for handling new intelligence in an investigation.
- The Met has transformed the way it investigates rape and serious sexual offences. Under Operation Soteria, the Met is doing more to put victim-survivors at the heart of its response to these crimes.
- We won’t be commenting any further than the above statement.
To note:
Ghislaine Maxwell has been convicted in the American courts of sex trafficking and is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence. She was found guilty in December 2021 for her role in recruiting and grooming underage girls for Jeffrey Epstein. Maxwell’s conviction was upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court, and she has been denied any appeals to overturn her sentence.
Jeffrey Epstein is deceased.