Epstein UK flights under fresh British police review

Published: 18 February 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

Fresh scrutiny has emerged over Epstein UK flights as British police confirm they are assessing claims that private jets linked to the convicted sex offender transported women through airports across the country. The development marks the first time officers have openly acknowledged reviewing allegations that Epstein UK flights may have used British airspace and facilities for trafficking purposes. The disclosure follows mounting political pressure and renewed public concern after extensive United States court documents were released.

The material published by the US Department of Justice runs into millions of pages. Within those documents are references to numerous private journeys involving Jeffrey Epstein, some allegedly routed through British airports. Former prime minister Gordon Brown stated that the files described in graphic detail how Epstein’s aircraft travelled to and from the United Kingdom. He cited evidence suggesting that women were flown in from Latvia, Lithuania and Russia via London Stansted.

Essex Police had initially declined to comment on whether officers were reviewing the claims. However, the force has now confirmed it is assessing information relating to private flights connected to Stansted. A spokesperson said officers are examining details that have emerged since the publication of the US files. The statement carefully avoided confirming a formal criminal investigation, instead describing the process as an assessment of allegations.

The focus on Stansted has intensified because of its role as a major hub for private aviation. According to the documents referenced by Brown, Epstein allegedly praised the airport’s comparatively low charges. It was also claimed that women arriving on private aircraft would not necessarily require British visas. These assertions have raised questions about border oversight and regulatory procedures during the period concerned.

London Stansted Airport responded by clarifying that private aircraft operate through independent fixed base operators. Airport authorities stressed that immigration and customs checks are conducted by Border Force. They also emphasised that private jet passengers use separate terminals not managed by the main airport body. The airport stated it does not have visibility over passenger arrangements on privately operated flights.

The renewed attention on Epstein UK flights extends beyond Essex. At least four British police forces are now confirmed to be assessing separate strands of information. Thames Valley Police is reviewing two claims linked to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the Duke of York. Surrey Police is examining another allegation. Meanwhile, Metropolitan Police is conducting a criminal investigation into claims that former minister Peter Mandelson passed information to Epstein during his time in government. Mandelson has strongly denied wrongdoing.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has also consistently denied any misconduct. The scrutiny surrounding him has intensified since the release of further documents. Emails disclosed within the files appear to show him sharing details of official trade visits to Hong Kong, Singapore and Vietnam during his tenure as a trade envoy. Thames Valley Police confirmed it has consulted with the Crown Prosecution Service to determine whether the threshold for a full criminal investigation has been met.

The breadth of the newly available material has prompted coordination at a national level. National Police Chiefs’ Council confirmed that a national coordination group has been established. The group aims to support forces assessing allegations linked to the US Department of Justice files. A spokesperson said collaboration is essential given the volume and complexity of the documents now in the public domain.

A senior policing source suggested that further claims could surface in the coming months. The release of approximately 3.5 million pages has been described as unprecedented in scale. The expectation of a potential surge in allegations has led investigators to adopt a cautious but methodical approach. Officers are said to be determined to demonstrate impartiality and independence, regardless of the status of those named.

The BBC previously reported that at least 87 flights linked to Epstein either arrived at or departed from UK airports between the early 1990s and 2018. Some logs reportedly listed unnamed passengers simply as female. Those incomplete records have fuelled debate over aviation transparency and historical oversight mechanisms. While incomplete logs do not in themselves prove wrongdoing, they have strengthened calls for thorough examination.

The international dimension of the allegations has also drawn comment from legal experts. A panel of independent specialists appointed by the United Nations Human Rights Council stated that the material released suggests the possible existence of a global criminal enterprise. The experts indicated that the scale and systematic nature of the alleged conduct may meet thresholds associated with crimes against humanity. Such assessments, however, remain preliminary and are not judicial findings.

For victims and survivors, the unfolding developments represent both distress and potential progress. Advocacy groups have urged authorities to prioritise safeguarding and support. The National Police Chiefs’ Council reiterated that anyone requiring assistance should seek help through established support services. Officials have stressed that the primary objective remains securing justice where evidence meets the legal threshold.

The legal complexities surrounding Epstein UK flights are considerable. Establishing criminal liability would require clear evidence of offences committed within UK jurisdiction. Investigators must also consider the passage of time, potential statute limitations, and evidential standards required for prosecution. Each force involved must independently assess whether information warrants escalation from review to formal inquiry.

Political scrutiny continues to build in Westminster. Liam Byrne, chair of the cross-party business and trade committee, suggested that Parliament could examine aspects of Mountbatten-Windsor’s role as a trade envoy. While parliamentary review would be separate from criminal investigations, it underscores the broader institutional questions raised by the documents.

David Boies, who represented the late Virginia Giuffre, has argued that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor should provide evidence in the United States. He suggested that safe passage could remove any perceived barrier to testimony. Such proposals remain speculative and would involve complex diplomatic considerations.

The story of Epstein UK flights therefore sits at the intersection of criminal law, political accountability and international cooperation. British authorities appear conscious of the intense public interest and the reputational implications for institutions. At the same time, they have emphasised that assessments do not equate to charges and that due process must guide every step.

As investigators continue reviewing the extensive files, further disclosures may clarify the scale of activity involving British airports. For now, the confirmation that multiple forces are assessing allegations marks a significant development. It signals that the United Kingdom’s law enforcement agencies are prepared to scrutinise even the most sensitive claims.

The coming months are likely to determine whether the assessments evolve into formal criminal proceedings. Until then, the focus remains on careful examination of evidence linked to Epstein UK flights, with authorities pledging to act without fear or favour. The outcome may shape not only individual cases but also future oversight of private aviation and cross-border travel.

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