New Andrew bombshell, cops probe claims of sexual misconduct, fraud and corruption

The former prince was arrested at his Sandringham home on February 19 before being released under investigation. Authorities are now openly appealing for alleged Epstein “victims and survivors” to come forward as part of what police describe as a rapidly expanding and highly complex probe.

“There’s a number of aspects of alleged misconduct that the investigation is examining,” Thames Valley Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright said.

“We are speaking to a range of witnesses and want anyone with information to get in touch with us.”

The inquiry, dubbed “Operation Ironville”, initially centred on claims Andrew passed commercially sensitive information to Epstein while serving as Britain’s special trade envoy between 2001 and 2011.

But investigators are now assessing a much broader range of allegations under the UK’s Misconduct in Public Office Act, including potential financial impropriety, conflicts of interest, abuse of authority and attempts to improperly influence official processes.

“We really hope they will come forward … I really want to stress that our door is open,” Wright said, specifically addressing alleged Epstein victims.

The investigation is being handled by specialist officers including sex crimes investigators, fraud experts and financial crime teams.

“It is not going to be a quick investigation by any means,” Wright added.

Police are also liaising with US authorities to obtain original Epstein Files material after more than three million documents and videos connected to the disgraced financier were released by the US Justice Department.

Several women have previously alleged Epstein trafficked them to Andrew for sex.

Among them was Virginia Giuffre, who claimed she was forced to have sex with Andrew on three occasions while aged 17 at locations including London, New York and Epstein’s private island in the US Virgin Islands.

Andrew has consistently denied wrongdoing and made no admission of liability when settling Giuffre’s civil lawsuit in 2022 for a reported £12 million (A$22.5 million).

Detectives are now reportedly seeking original interview tapes from Giuffre’s earlier discussions with police, while another woman has alleged Epstein flew her to Britain where she had sex with Andrew at Royal Lodge before receiving a tour of Buckingham Palace.

Police say they are still attempting to convince the woman to provide a formal statement.

The widening inquiry has placed extraordinary pressure back on the British royal family years after Andrew was stripped of his military titles, royal patronages and use of “HRH” amid the Epstein fallout.

Last year, King Charles III also reportedly removed Andrew’s remaining royal honours, including use of the title “Prince”.

Maximum life sentence

The widened police probe is examining other potential aspects of the Misconduct in Public Office Act, which carries a maximum life sentence.

As well as sexual misconduct, fraud, corruption and financial impropriety, police may also assess whether Andrew abused or bullied anyone under his care and supervision while trade envoy.

Under the terms of the Act, the team could also look at him on suspicion of improper influence or conflict of interest with his role.

Perverting justice and misconduct leading to personal gain are other potential options.

The Crown Prosecution Service could decide to try to prosecute Andrew under the umbrella of the Act.

Alternatively, a decision could be made to try him for stand-alone offences — or even a combination of both.

Police met the threshold of evidence required to arrest Andrew and search his home in February.

And they have been taking early stage advice from CPS lawyers.

However, at this stage, no decision has been made on whether to prosecute Andrew.

Prosecutors would need to prove that Andrew’s trade envoy role made him a public official.

The Act normally applies to police and immigration officers, politicians and government officials.

— with Mike Sullivan, The Sun