Media: Missing records hamper Prince Andrew–Epstein case

The Metropolitan Police has reopened its review of trafficking allegations linked to Jeffrey Epstein, but detectives have been warned that key aviation records may have been destroyed, potentially hampering the inquiry, The Times reports.

Officers are examining whether victims were trafficked into the UK aboard Epstein’s private jet via commercial airports and RAF bases, including RAF Northolt in west London. However, some of the flights under scrutiny date back nearly 20 years. The RAF retains passenger manifests for only three months before they are destroyed, while air traffic control movement sheets are kept for two years. Commercial airline manifests are generally retained for six to seven years, according to the Civil Aviation Authority.

Although the so-called Epstein files released by the US Department of Justice contain passenger manifests and flight logs, some are incomplete. Detectives may seek to interview airport staff and other officials, but record-destruction policies are expected to make it harder to establish who travelled to Britain and when.

Gordon Brown has urged six forces, including the Met, to examine whether Prince Andrew used RAF bases for trips potentially associated with Epstein. Brown has accused police of failing to properly investigate earlier allegations and said Andrew should be interviewed. The Met, which opted against a full inquiry in 2015, said it was assessing new information, including suggestions that London airports were used.

Emails show the Met approached the Federal Bureau of Investigation in November seeking fresh details, including flight manifests.

Graham Wettone, a former Met officer, said: “My understanding is that there is a VIP suite at Heathrow which has a dedicated police team. As a port of entry and exit, there’s a responsibility to document everyone who passes through.” He added that the destruction of records “isn’t helpful”, warning: “If they do not have these records, it’s difficult to prove.”

A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said RAF airfields may be used by private aircraft, subject to strict conditions and without disrupting military operations.

By Vafa Guliyeva