Police Launch Assessment of Stansted Private Flights in Wake of Epstein Document Release
Essex police have initiated a formal assessment of information concerning private flights to and from Stansted airport, following the publication of millions of files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. This move comes in response to allegations made by former Prime Minister Gordon Brown, who asserted that the newly released documents provide graphic details of Epstein's activities at the Essex-based airport.
Brown's Claims Highlight Extensive Flight Activity and Trafficking Concerns
In an article for the New Statesman, Gordon Brown detailed that the Epstein files reveal his private jet, infamously known as the Lolita Express, conducted 90 flights to or from UK airports. Notably, 15 of these flights occurred after Epstein's 2008 conviction for soliciting prostitution from a child. Brown emphasized that Epstein allegedly boasted about the cost-effectiveness of Stansted's airport charges compared to those in Paris, suggesting it facilitated his operations.
According to Brown, Stansted served as a hub where women were transferred between Epstein's aircraft, and he highlighted that individuals arriving on private planes into Britain did not require British visas. He expressed concern that authorities seemed unaware of these activities, citing BBC evidence of incomplete flight logs with passengers merely labeled as 'female'. Brown concluded that British authorities had little to no knowledge of who was being trafficked through the country and for whom, beyond Epstein.
Official Responses from Police and Airport Authorities
An Essex police spokesperson stated on Tuesday, "We are assessing the information that has emerged in relation to private flights into and out of Stansted airport following the publication of the US DoJ Epstein files." This assessment aligns with broader national efforts, as the National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) has established a coordination group to support forces evaluating allegations stemming from the Epstein files. An NPCC spokesperson explained, "A national coordination group has been set up to support a small number of forces assessing allegations that have emerged following the publication of the US DoJ Epstein files." The group aims to ensure a consistent approach and support justice for victims, urging those affected to seek resources at whenyouareready.co.uk.
In response, a Stansted airport spokesperson clarified operational protocols, noting that private aircraft are handled by independent fixed base operators in compliance with regulatory standards. They emphasized, "All immigration and customs checks for passengers arriving on private aircraft are carried out directly by Border Force." The airport stated that private jet passengers use separate terminals not managed by Stansted, and the airport has no visibility into passenger arrangements on these aircraft.
Broader Implications and Related Investigations
This development follows other UK police assessments linked to the Epstein case. Earlier this month, Thames Valley police confirmed they are reviewing claims that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor shared confidential trade envoy reports with Epstein. Andrew has previously denied wrongdoing regarding his Epstein connections but has not directly addressed these latest allegations. The national coordination group's formation underscores the ongoing scrutiny of Epstein's network and its potential impact in the UK, as authorities work to uncover any criminal activities and provide support for survivors.
