Epstein file extends to the UK
An investigation conducted by the BBC has revealed that approximately 90 flights linked to Jeffrey Epstein, who was convicted of sexual abuse, landed at or departed from UK airports. The documents indicate that British women were present on some of these flights and that these individuals have declared they were subjected to abuse.
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Flight records and court documents examined by the BBC contain striking details regarding Jeffrey Epstein's travels linked to the UK. According to the investigation, it was determined that aircraft owned or financed by Epstein made a total of 87 trips to and from the UK.
BRITISH WOMEN WERE ON PASSENGER LISTS
According to the documents obtained, at least three British women alleged that they were subjected to human trafficking by Jeffrey Epstein. It was reported that these individuals were on the passenger lists of Epstein's UK-linked flights.
The records accessed by the BBC are said to contain details regarding the dates and routes of the trips these women took with Epstein.
It was reported that one of the women mentioned in the documents testified as a witness in the Ghislaine Maxwell case held in the US. This testimony was noted to have been influential in Maxwell's 2021 conviction for sex trafficking of minors.
The victim's lawyer, Brad Edwards, stated that this individual has never been contacted by law enforcement in the UK to date.
Flight records showed that the victim was on more than 10 flights financed by Epstein between 1999 and 2006 that had a UK connection. It was shared that the majority of these trips were carried out via private jets.
PASSENGERS LISTED ONLY AS “FEMALE” IN RECORDS
In the documents examined by the BBC, it was observed that passenger information was not detailed for some flights, with only the word “female” appearing in the passenger field.
The investigation determined that 15 flights linked to Epstein took place after his 2008 conviction for a sex crime involving a minor.
According to the records, Epstein primarily used his private jets for his travels to the UK. It was reported that a significant portion of these flights were conducted via Luton Airport.
Experts stated that the lack of a requirement for private aircraft to report passenger information to authorities for a long period created a serious legal loophole. It was stated that this situation paved the way for human trafficking.
It was shared that the relevant regulation in the UK was changed as of April 2024.
“ABUSE ALSO TOOK PLACE IN THE UK”
Lawyer Brad Edwards, who represents Epstein victims, said his British clients told him they were abused by Epstein on British soil. Edwards also stated that some victims were taken from the UK to the US.
It was reported that the information obtained by the BBC was shared with the London Metropolitan Police. In a statement made by the police, it was reported that no new evidence had been reached that would require the investigation to be reopened.
Authorities noted that if concrete and new information emerges from the documents expected to be released in the US, the matter would be re-evaluated.
The documents revealed that Jeffrey Epstein continued to travel to the UK after 2009, despite his 2008 conviction. Immigration law experts stated that the fact that US citizens are not subject to visas for short-term visits leaves the decision on entry into the country to the discretion of border officers.
Victim lawyers, on the other hand, expressed that the lack of a comprehensive investigation in the UK to date has damaged the sense of justice for the victims.