Jeffrey Epstein housed some of his alleged abuse victims in flats in London after UK police decided against investigating him, according to reports. The BBC uncovered evidence of four flats in Kensington and Chelsea in receipts, emails and bank records contained within the Epstein files. Six women who stayed in these properties have since accused the late financier of sexually abusing them.
Some of the women, including those from Russia and Eastern Europe, were brought to the UK after the Metropolitan Police decided not to investigate Virginia Giuffre's 2015 allegation of international trafficking to London. Giuffre, one of Epstein's most prominent accusers, alleged in a 2021 US lawsuit that Prince Andrew had sex with her at a London home in 2001 when she was 17, after being trafficked by Epstein. The Duke of York has denied the allegations.
The BBC reported details from files dated around 2018 and 2019 showing Epstein corresponding with women in the London flats. In some exchanges, Epstein used aggressive language after complaints about conditions. He reportedly swore at one woman, called her “rude” and accused her of “disgusting behaviour”, describing her as a “brat who has yet to accept responsibility”. Another message revealed pictures of “cute” models sent to Epstein by one of the women. Epstein also paid for at least five women, many on student visas, to study in London.
Millions of documents detailing Epstein's activities have been released since December last year, following the US Epstein Files Transparency Act signed into law by President Donald Trump. Epstein died in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges.
The Metropolitan Police said in a statement: “No allegations relating to criminal conduct in London have been made to the police by the six women referred to in the coverage, but specialist officers are ready to speak to them should they wish to come forward. We have asked the BBC to assist in communicating this.” The Met added that in 2015, following Giuffre's complaint, it followed reasonable lines of enquiry, including interviewing her and liaising with US authorities, but no allegation of criminal conduct was made against any UK-based individual, so no investigation was commenced.
