Sixteen members of the US Congress are demanding a new criminal investigation into Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor’s ties to Jeffrey Epstein, following the release of four photos by the Department of Justice in January. The lawmakers, part of the House Oversight Committee, are expected to formally request the FBI to act as soon as this week.
Photos Spark Fresh Scrutiny
The images, released as part of a massive cache of evidence, appear to show the former Duke of York on his hands and knees, leaning over an unidentified, fully clothed woman with his hands on her stomach in two of the photos. California Democratic Representative Ted Lieu said: “These two photos staring you in the face are more than enough evidence to predicate an investigation against former Prince Andrew.”
Andrew, 66, has strenuously denied any claims of wrongdoing in his association with late billionaire financier Epstein. He is already under investigation by at least nine police forces in the UK over alleged sexual misconduct and alleged misconduct in public office during his years as a trade envoy.
Congressional Pressure Mounts
Although members of Congress cannot legally subpoena Andrew, several are repeating their demand that he testify via video. Democratic Representative Robert Garcia said: “Andrew again has the opportunity to come clean and provide justice for the survivors.” The same caucus of lawmakers was furious late last year when Andrew failed to even reply to a request to testify via video to the House Oversight Committee, which has been running its own probe into Epstein’s network.
Details of the proposed new probe are expected to emerge on Thursday at a scheduled meeting of the House Oversight Committee, which is also due to hear evidence from US multi-billionaire Leon Black.
Leon Black Subpoenaed Again
Black, with an estimated net worth of £10.2 billion, was forced to resign as CEO of private equity firm Apollo Global Management in 2021 over his financial ties to Epstein. He has voluntarily appeared twice before the committee but has now been subpoenaed to give evidence for a third time following the release of financial papers relating to the Epstein case. Black will be asked to explain why he paid Epstein about £126 million over five years for “tax and estate planning advice.” In his previous evidence, he defended this as “legitimate” payments.
Black, 74, will also be asked to explain why, according to Justice Department files, Epstein “negotiated” a settlement between the billionaire and a “Russian model” with whom he had a relationship. Black paid $100,000 a month to the woman for 15 years, totalling about £13.5 million.
Epstein’s Network and Secret Settlements
As the Express exclusively revealed last weekend, Epstein’s “fixer” – former British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell, who is serving 20 years in prison for child sex-trafficking and conspiracy – claims 25 rich and powerful men, whose names have been redacted from Department of Justice files, have all reached secret financial settlements with victims.
