Met Police ‘not appropriate authority’ to investigate Epstein sex trafficking claims

By The Press Association29th November 2019News EnglandChild Abuse, London, Modern Slavery, News England, Sexual Abuse, Trafficking

The Metropolitan Police has said it stands by its decision not to investigate claims by the Duke of York’s accuser Virginia Giuffre that she was sex trafficked to London by Jeffrey Epstein.

The force added officers had spoken to other law enforcement agencies but have “not received a formal request asking for assistance”.

It said it reviewed its previous decision that it was “not the appropriate authority to conduct enquiries in these circumstances” following Epstein’s death in August, and that its position remained unchanged.

Panorama’s interview with Ms Guiffre is to be broadcast on Monday. She alleges the duke slept with her on three separate occasions.

The duke denies the allegations.

Commander Alex Murray said: “In July 2015 the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) confirmed it had received an allegation of non-recent trafficking for sexual exploitation.

“The allegation was made against a US national, Jeffrey Epstein (pictured), 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.”