Epstein files: UK police contact Epstein survivors as national investigation team launched
Survivors of convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein who spoke to the media are being contacted by police.
This comes as the force strengthens the national team investigating potential crimes that may have occurred on UK soil.
Investigators contacted the women who spoke BBC News Night And Good morning England, invites them to speak to UK law enforcement “if they feel comfortable”.
A new national expert team has also been established to focus on potential crimes against women and girls in Britain.
The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) said a dedicated group would look at “the scale, scope and nature of possible UK-based VAWG (violence against women and girls) offenses on the dossier”.
It would also create a national approach to intelligence collection and evaluation through “investment in additional intelligence resources.”
Deputy Chief Constable Claire Bell, chair of the group, said: “Policing operates locally but must remain consistent nationally, which is why co-ordination groups have been set up to ensure we connect the dots as the public expects.
“We are working with the National Crime Agency to examine and evaluate the published files.
“We have also reached out to survivors who have shared their experiences with the media and invited them to speak to UK authorities if they feel comfortable.
“Police forces may engage directly with potential victims and survivors who report matters not included in the disclosed Epstein files. Officers will listen carefully to anyone who takes the bold step of contacting us.”
Epstein, a millionaire financier, died in prison in 2019 while awaiting trial for sex trafficking of underage girls.
The U.S. Department of Justice released millions of pages of documents related to its investigation into him in January.
The material led to individual investigations by UK forces including the Metropolitan Police, Thames Valley, Norfolk, Surrey, Bedfordshire, Essex, Wiltshire, and with national coordination from the NPCC.
Ms Bell said: “I would like to reassure everyone affected that the UK police will be rigorous in our assessment of the Ministry of Justice files. “The volume of material is significant and detailed assessment of the files will take time, which I fully appreciate can be both frustrating and traumatic for everyone affected.
“However, it is crucial that we get this right by taking a methodical and coordinated approach to protect the integrity of any potential investigation. Our priority throughout will continue to be the safety, welfare and trust of victims.”
Earlier this month, Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley used a previously planned visit to the US to request access to unredacted Epstein files.
Former Duke of York Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Lord Peter Mandelson were arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office over their links to a pedophile and were released under investigation.
