Randy Fleishman
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is being investigated by the police over potential sexual offences.
In a bombshell development, detectives announced that a misconduct in public office probe into the former prince has broadened to consider a wide range of offences, including sexual misconduct and corruption.
Three months after the former Duke of York was arrested over claims that he leaked secrets to paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein during his decade as the UK’s trade envoy, officers are now interviewing witnesses about suspected criminal offences.
Thames Valley Police will today make an unprecedented public appeal for potential ‘victim survivors’ to come forward.
It comes after the force identified ‘multiple lines of inquiry’ in what is being described as a ‘significant investigation’.
Police have seized substantial evidence in a raid of Andrew’s former home at Royal Lodge, Windsor, and his new property on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk, which officers are now said to be ‘carefully working through’, it is understood.
The major update follows the release of new documents yesterday relating to Andrew’s appointment as trade envoy.
They revealed that the late Queen was ‘very keen’ for her son to take on a ‘prominent role in the promotion of national interests’ when her cousin, the Duke of Kent, stepped down from the role.
Andrew had a preference for missions to ‘sophisticated countries’ but should not be ‘burdened’ with the meetings and paperwork associated with the role, the files released by the Government showed.
The 15-page document was published following pressure from MPs in the wake of the Epstein Files being made public by the US Department of Justice.
They suggested the then-duke was sharing potentially commercially sensitive information, gleaned from his official post, with Epstein.
Police descended on his home at Wood Farm in February, taking Andrew into custody on his 66th birthday.
He was released some 11 hours later under investigation.
Thames Valley Police have now revealed that senior officers are already speaking to the Crown Prosecution Service for ‘early investigative advice’ ahead of a potential prosecution.
They are also liaising with the American DoJ to formally request evidence contained in the millions of documents from the Epstein files.
Alongside the allegations from the files, they are assessing separate claims that Epstein sent a woman to the UK for sex with Andrew in 2010, mirroring accusations made by the late Virginia Giuffre, who said she was trafficked to have sex with the former duke.
Andrew settled a New York civil case brought by Ms Giuffre for a reported £12million without any admission of liability. He has vehemently denied her claims in the past.
Detectives have spoken to a lawyer for the alleged second victim, who has not been identified. But officers are yet to carry out interviews because she has not made a formal complaint to police.
Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright said the force had assembled a dedicated team of its ‘most experienced specialist investigators’, which include detectives experienced in investigating serious sexual attacks and financial experts.
He confirmed they had spoken to a number of witnesses, but said he hopes others will come forward to shed light on Andrew’s relationship with the paedophile.
‘I really want to stress that our door is open. Whenever a victim survivor is ready to engage with us, we’re ready for you at whatever point that may be,’ the Assistant Chief Constable said.
‘In terms of Epstein victims and survivors, we hope that anyone with relevant information will come forward.’
Describing progress in the investigation, he said: ‘We have been working really closely with the Department of Justice Office in the US seeking further information that may be related to this investigation. We have also been working really closely with the CPS.
‘There’s a number of aspects of alleged misconduct that the investigation is examining so we’re speaking with a range of witnesses. We do really want to get the message across that we’re encouraging anyone with information to get in touch with us.’
He warned that the inquiry could take months before detectives are ready to submit a file of evidence to the CPS to consider whether to bring criminal charges.
The senior officer added: ‘The investigation is by necessity hugely thorough, and will take time. We’re proceeding with real care and caution.’
One of the key issues to be determined is whether the former prince can be considered a public officer under the terms of the offence.
Police will have to interview various officials and seek disclosure from the Government of any documents Andrew signed regarding confidentiality in his role, which he held for ten years until 2011.
CPS guidance says: ‘There is no simple definition of a public officer, and each case must be assessed individually, taking into account the nature of the role, the duties carried out and the level of public trust involved.’
Public officials include individuals such as police officers, civil servants, judges, elected officials and Army officers.
Emails released in the Epstein dump suggest the former duke shared reports of official visits to Hong Kong, Vietnam and Singapore with the financier. Andrew was the UK’s Special Representative for Trade and Investment in Asia in 2010 and 2011.
He is accused of sharing confidential reports and investment opportunities with Epstein after the financier was released from prison on child sex offences in 2009.
One email, in November 2010, was forwarded by Andrew just five minutes after being sent by his then-special adviser, Amit Patel.
Then, on Christmas Eve in 2010, Andrew allegedly looped Epstein in on a confidential briefing about investment opportunities in the reconstruction of Helmand in Afghanistan.
Detectives are now speaking to officials in the Cabinet Office and Buckingham Palace, which has previously released a statement confirming staff stand ‘ready to support’ police.
Royal aides say the Palace cannot comment while there is an active police inquiry for fear of prejudicing any investigation.
Sources point back to the ‘robust’ action taken by the King in stripping his brother of his remaining titles and honours and ensuring his departure from Royal Lodge.
Both he and Queen Camilla – who has highlighted issues around violence against women – also said last year that their ‘thoughts and utmost sympathies have been, and remain with, the victims and survivors of any and all forms of abuse’.
The King’s brother has not addressed the allegations, but has always denied any wrongdoing in his dealings with Epstein or knowledge of his sex crimes.
Misconduct in public office, which carries a potential maximum life sentence, covers a range of offending, including sharing confidential information, sexual misconduct, corruption, fraudulent conduct and dishonesty.
Source: Dailymail.co.uk | Read the Full Story…
