MPS ‘not appropriate authority’ to investigate Epstein sex trafficking claims
The Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) has defended its decision not to investigate a claim of trafficking by a woman who claims that as a teenager she was trafficked to London for sex by the billionaire financier Jeffrey Epstein and then slept with the Duke of York.
Responding to allegations by Prince Andrew’s accuser, Virginia Roberts Giuffre, that the MPS failed to investigate her complaint, the force said it stands by its decision that it was “not the appropriate authority” to proceed.
In a statement Commander Alex Murray said: “In July 2015 the MPS confirmed it had received an allegation of non-recent trafficking for sexual exploitation. The allegation was made against a US national, Jeffrey Epstein, and a British woman. It related to events outside of the UK and an allegation of trafficking to central London in March 2001.
“The MPS always takes any allegations concerning sexual exploitation seriously. Officers assessed the available evidence, interviewed the complainant and obtained early investigative advice from the Crown Prosecution Service.
“Following the legal advice, it was clear that any investigation into human trafficking would be largely focused on activities and relationships outside the UK.
“We therefore concluded that the MPS was not the appropriate authority to conduct enquiries in these circumstances and, in November 2016, a decision was made that this matter would not proceed to a full criminal investigation.
“In August 2019, following the death of Jeffrey Epstein the MPS reviewed the decision making and our position remains unchanged. The MPS has liaised with other law enforcement organisations but has not received a formal request asking for assistance in connection with this allegation.”
The Duke of York has always denied having any form of sexual contact or relationship with his accuser.
