Former Met Police Chief Calls for Investigation into New Andrew Allegation
A former senior Metropolitan Police officer has stated that a fresh allegation concerning Prince Andrew's connection to Jeffrey Epstein must be investigated. Neil Basu, who served as Assistant Commissioner from 2018 to 2021, emphasised that British police would have a legal duty to cooperate if international authorities present new evidence.
Details of the Latest Allegation
The new claim involves a woman who alleges she was sent to the Royal Lodge in Windsor in 2010, which was Prince Andrew's residence at the time. Her lawyer told the BBC that the encounter occurred when the woman was in her twenties. This allegation emerged following the latest release of millions of documents related to the Epstein case on Friday.
Speaking exclusively to Sky News, Basu highlighted the seriousness of the situation. "The FBI may be interested, and they may ask the Metropolitan Police for assistance, but there's certainly an allegation of very serious crime there," he stated. "So, it does need to be investigated, and I would expect the police, the British police, to be part of that."
Legal Obligations and Police Cooperation
Basu explained that while the Met is unlikely to proactively sift through the newly released Epstein documents, they could be legally compelled to act if requested by the FBI. "Certainly if they're asked to by the FBI, because they've uncovered serious criminality, and there may be British subjects involved, yes, it would be their legal duty to cooperate," he clarified.
The former police chief outlined the potential process under mutual legal assistance treaties. This would allow British police to conduct interviews in the UK with individuals named in the files, including Prince Andrew, without requiring them to travel to the United States. "The FBI could be present, but the British police would lead the investigation. There's no need for the former prince to travel," Basu noted.
Context and Ongoing Developments
Prince Andrew has consistently and vehemently denied all allegations against him regarding his association with Jeffrey Epstein. There has been no public comment from him since this latest allegation surfaced. The release of the Epstein documents has intensified calls for the Metropolitan Police to open its own investigations into whether any crimes linked to Epstein were committed within the UK.
Basu added that if there are formal requests to interview Andrew or others mentioned in the files, the procedures are well-established. "He could be interviewed in this country. And many people, you know, I won't be the first person to say that he should do that," he remarked, underscoring the expectation for cooperation.
This development places renewed scrutiny on the connections between British figures and the Epstein scandal, with legal experts and former law enforcement officials advocating for thorough investigations to ensure accountability and justice.
