Police assessing Stansted Airport flights over Epstein ties

Essex Police have announced that they are currently reviewing information regarding private flights passing through Stansted Airport in connection with the recently released Epstein files. Although the police are examining these details carefully, sources indicate that this assessment does not automatically imply the start of a formal investigation.

A BBC investigation last year uncovered that Jeffrey Epstein, the convicted sex offender, was linked to 87 flights arriving at or departing from various UK airports from the early 1990s until 2018. The scope of these flights, especially those involving transfers at Stansted Airport, has raised serious concerns. Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown highlighted the urgency for police to reassess the possibility that Epstein’s victims were trafficked both within and beyond the United Kingdom. Brown addressed this issue in a letter to the chief police officials of the Metropolitan Police, Essex Police, and Thames Valley Police.

An Essex Police spokesperson confirmed that the force is examining new information related to private jets at Stansted, following revelations made in the US Department of Justice’s Epstein files. Last December, BBC News identified three British women allegedly trafficked, whose names appeared in Epstein’s flight records connected to the UK. Lawyers representing numerous Epstein victims in the US expressed shock that a thorough investigation into Epstein’s UK ties has never been conducted.

Stansted Airport itself responded by stating that all private aircraft operations at the airport are managed by independent Fixed Base Operators who comply with relevant regulatory standards. The airport stressed that private jet passengers use separate terminals and do not pass through the main terminal building. Border Force is responsible for immigration and customs checks on these private flights, and the airport management said it does not oversee or have insight into passenger arrangements on privately operated jets.

Meanwhile, the National Police Chiefs’ Council has established a new national group to support UK police forces that are investigating claims arising from the Epstein files. Essex Police has previously engaged with Crown Prosecution Service specialists regarding allegations involving former UK trade envoy Prince Andrew, who is accused of sharing confidential reports with Epstein—a claim he denies. Additionally, earlier investigations are underway by the Metropolitan Police into Peter Mandelson, amid accusations that he passed market-sensitive information to Epstein. Mandelson denies any criminal conduct or financial motivation and was removed from his ambassadorial role last September after Downing Street revealed new information regarding his relationship with Epstein

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