The US Department of Justice formally requested in April 2020 that Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor be questioned about his relationship with convicted sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein and fashion mogul Peter Nygard, newly released files reveal. The request, detailed in a "Request for Assistance" document sent to the UK Government, stated there was «evidence that Prince Andrew engaged in sexual conduct involving one of Epstein's victims».
The document sought FBI interviews with Andrew regarding two criminal investigations. If he declined a voluntary interview, US authorities requested UK officials conduct a «compelled interview... under oath». The files clarified that Andrew was not a target of either investigation and that US authorities had not gathered evidence he committed any US crime. He could face prosecution for perverting the course of justice in the UK or making false statements in the US if he provided false information. Andrew has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.
The revelation is part of an 8,000-strong trove of videos, photos, and investigative documents released by the Justice Department - the largest data drop to date concerning Epstein. The 10GB stockpile includes hundreds of videos, audio recordings, and investigative materials related to the late financier who died in his prison cell in 2019.
Flight Records Link Trump to Epstein
Internal Justice Department emails revealed that Donald Trump traveled on Epstein's private jet «many more times than previously has been reported», according to a January 2020 email from a US attorney for the Southern District of New York. Flight records showed Trump listed as a passenger on at least eight flights between 1993 and 1996, with Ghislaine Maxwell present on at least four of those flights.
The email detailed specific flights: «On one flight in 1993, he and Epstein are the only two listed passengers; on another, the only three passengers are Epstein, Trump, and then-20-year-old [redacted]». There is no indication the 20-year-old was a victim of any crime, and Trump has not been accused of wrongdoing in relation to Epstein.
Trump commented on the file releases Monday, saying: «I don't like the pictures of Bill Clinton being shown. I don't like the pictures of other people being shown - I think it's a terrible thing». He added that «lot of people are very angry that pictures are being released of other people that really had nothing to do with Epstein».
"Inappropriate Friends" Email Exchange
The files include August 2001 emails between Ghislaine Maxwell and a correspondent signing as "A xxx" using the email address [email protected]. Writing from Balmoral, "A" asked: «How's LA? Have you found me some new inappropriate friends? Let me know when you are coming over as I am free from 25th August until 2nd Sept and want to go somewhere hot and sunny with some fun people before having to put my nose firmly to the grindstone for the Fall».
Maxwell replied: «So sorry to dissappoint you, however the truth must be told. I have only been able to find appropriate friends». The correspondent responded: «Distraught!»
A later email described personal turmoil after leaving the Royal Navy and restructuring: «now my whole life is in turmoil as I have no one to look after me. He was a real rock and almost a part of the family ... If you have any good ideas as to how to get my mind back on track I'd be grateful for advice».
Political Backlash Over Release
The Justice Department faced bipartisan criticism for slow releases and heavy redactions. Representatives Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie threatened contempt charges against Attorney General Pam Bondi for non-compliance with the Epstein Files Transparency Act. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer introduced a resolution calling for legal action against the administration.
A victims group complained that only a «fraction» of files were released, «riddled with abnormal and extreme redactions with no explanation». Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche blamed delays on the need to redact identities of more than 1,000 victims.
Clinton spokesman Angel Urena urged immediate release of all Clinton-related materials, stating: «Someone or something is being protected. We do not know whom, what or why. But we do know this, We need no such protection». He expressed «widespread suspicion» that the Justice Department was «using selective releases to imply wrongdoing about individuals who have already been repeatedly cleared by the very same Department of Justice».
The Justice Department stated it will release several hundred thousand more files in the coming weeks despite time pressures and the sheer volume of material.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
