US officials are reported to have removed an American diplomat from the UK without informing British police, after he was accused of possessing indecent images of children. The diplomat was reportedly seized and taken to an American airbase for removal in August.
Diplomat removed without police notification
According to The Sun, US authorities raided the diplomat's London flat last month before seizing him and taking him to an American airbase for removal. American personnel have no powers of arrest in Britain, and there was reportedly no formal request for the man to be extradited.
The removal was carried out without first telling British police, despite the allegations against the diplomat. The incident is said to be related to an investigation into another individual in the US.
Government response
UK ministers are understood to be in contact with the US embassy over the incident, which threatens to further strain relations between London and Washington. A Government spokesperson said: “We expect all foreign diplomats in the UK to abide by our laws, in the same way we expect all UK diplomats to do so when posted overseas.”
The spokesperson added: “As a US investigation is ongoing, it would not be appropriate to comment further at this stage.” A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police said: “On Tuesday August 25, US authorities made us aware of an investigation they are conducting into suspected offences in London relating to indecent images of children. We continue to liaise with them regarding this matter.”
Previous case raises concerns
The incident comes two months after then-deputy prime minister David Lammy said he would raise with the US government the case of an American fighter pilot who avoided a trial under English law for strangling a woman in Cambridge. Captain Jacob Wulfson was tried at a court martial on a US airbase, despite his alleged crime taking place while he was off-duty, and was jailed for six months after being convicted of strangulation. He was acquitted of charges of sexual assault and aggravated sexual contact.
Downing Street said at the time it was “very concerning” that Capt Wulfson's case had not been dealt with by the Crown Prosecution Service. The US embassy has been contacted for comment.
