Lawyer Says Epstein Survivors Have Lost Faith in UK Police Over Inquiry into Prince Andrew
A lawyer representing survivors of Jeffrey Epstein stated that his clients lack confidence in the treatment they would receive in the United Kingdom. The comment underscores growing distrust regarding the British police investigation into allegations involving Prince Andrew.
Lack of Trust in UK Authorities
The attorney, whose name was not disclosed in the original statement, said the survivors he represents do not believe they would be handled fairly or sensitively by UK law enforcement. This skepticism centers on the Metropolitan Police’s handling of the broader inquiry, which has been criticized for delays and a perceived lack of transparency. The lawyer’s remarks were made public on May 29, 2026, reflecting ongoing tensions between the victims and the authorities tasked with investigating the royal family scandal.
Background of the Epstein Case
Jeffrey Epstein, the deceased financier and convicted sex offender, operated a network of sex trafficking victims that included minors. His associate, Ghislaine Maxwell, was convicted in the United States in 2021 for facilitating the abuse. Prince Andrew, a member of the British royal family, has faced repeated allegations of sexual assault linked to Epstein, allegations he has consistently denied. The Metropolitan Police launched an inquiry into the prince’s conduct in 2020 but has yet to bring charges.
Survivor Sentiment and Legal Strategy
The lawyer emphasized that his clients’ lack of trust stems from past experiences with UK institutions. “They have no faith in the system here,” he said, according to the original statement. The survivors, many of whom are American, have expressed reluctance to cooperate with British investigators, fearing their testimony would be dismissed or mishandled. This sentiment complicates efforts to build a case, as victim cooperation is often critical in sex crimes prosecutions.
Implications for the Investigation
The statement arrives as the Metropolitan Police faces mounting pressure to resolve the inquiry. Critics argue that the investigation has stalled, with no charges filed despite years of scrutiny. The lawyer’s remarks could further erode public confidence in the probe, particularly among advocacy groups for sex trafficking victims. Prince Andrew has not been formally charged, and his legal team maintains his innocence.
Context
This case parallels the 2021 New York civil suit against Prince Andrew, where Virginia Giuffre alleged she was trafficked by Epstein to have sex with the prince. That case was settled out of court in 2022. Similarly, victims of other high-profile sex trafficking rings, such as those involving financier Leon Black, have voiced distrust of law enforcement in multiple jurisdictions.