Scottish police investigate Epstein and Maxwell's visit to royal residence

Investigation into 1999 visit begins

Scottish law enforcement agencies have launched an investigation into the circumstances of convicted American sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and his co-conspirator Ghislaine Maxwell's presence at the royal residence of Balmoral. This was announced by a spokesperson for the Scottish police.

According to investigation data, Epstein and Maxwell visited the private residence of the British royal family in Scotland in 1999. They arrived there at the invitation of the former Prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.

Comment from law enforcement representatives

«Ми отримали інформацію, і зараз триває активне розслідування, але воно перебуває на дуже ранній стадії» ("We have received information, and an active investigation is currently underway, but it is at a very early stage"), a law enforcement representative said.

He emphasised that the investigation's actions are based on evidence, and the main priority is meeting the needs of those who have experienced violence.

Context: Prince Andrew's arrest

The 66-year-old Andrew was arrested in February on suspicion of misconduct in public office related to his relationship with Epstein. Law enforcement officers conducted searches at his properties in Sandringham (eastern England) and Windsor.

This arrest was an unprecedented event in modern history: for the first time in 300 years, a member of the royal family was detained and questioned by police.