In brief
A recent BBC investigation has uncovered that nearly 90 flights associated with Jeffrey Epstein arrived in and out of UK airports, including three British women who claim they were trafficked by him. Despite the alarming findings, US lawyers representing victims criticize the lack of a thorough investigation by UK authorities and highlight the implications of Epstein's operations being a significant concern in the UK.
Almost 90 flights linked to Jeffrey Epstein arrived at and departed from UK airports, some with British women on board who say they were abused by the billionaire, a BBC investigation has found.
We have established that three British women who were allegedly trafficked appear in Epstein's records of flights in and out of the UK and other documents related to the convicted sex offender.
US lawyers representing hundreds of Epstein victims told the BBC it was shocking that there has never been a full-scale UK investigation into his activities across the Atlantic. The UK was a major hub for Epstein's operations, they argue.
Testimony from one of these victims helped convict Epstein's associate Ghislaine Maxwell of child sex-trafficking in the US in 2021. Yet, according to her Florida-based lawyer, the victim, referred to as Kate during the trial, has never been contacted by UK police.
The investigation revealed that Kate was on numerous flights funded by Epstein between 1999 and 2006, and raised concerns over the lack of response from UK authorities regarding potential trafficking facilitated by Epstein.
US lawyer Sigrid McCawley highlighted that British authorities have not adequately investigated Epstein's movements, who he interacted with, and allegations regarding sexual trafficking. The records disclosed show activity within the UK, including flights to royal residences.
While the deadline for releasing comprehensive US government records on Epstein is approaching, the BBC's examination of court documents unmasked a startling number of flights – 87 – linked to Epstein's activities in the UK.
Unidentified 'females' were listed as passengers on these flights, raising significant questions about how law enforcement officials overlooked potential trafficking cases after Epstein's 2008 conviction.
Despite his infamous death before trial in 2019 and serious allegations of trafficking minors, there remains a pressing need for a UK investigation. UK authorities have stated they have not received sufficient evidence to reopen investigations, further frustrating victims and their representatives.
Law experts noted that many people likely assisted Epstein's operations, suggesting a more complex network of complicity. Immigration policies at the time allowed for significant loopholes through which Epstein was able to travel freely between the US and the UK, leaving unanswered questions about his past and the accountability of those involved.
