UK Ministry of Defence Probes Epstein Flights at Royal Air Force Bases
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The UK Ministry of Defence has launched a probe into Jeffrey Epstein's use of RAF bases for flights, following new allegations and police investigations.
Key Takeaways
- •Launches probe into Jeffrey Epstein's use of Royal Air Force bases for private flights.
- •Examines flight logs detailing approximately 90 UK flights, 15 of which occurred after 2008.
- •Follows dossier from former PM Gordon Brown and active investigations by six police forces.
- •Includes Essex Police assessment of Epstein's use of London Stansted Airport's private terminal.
The United Kingdom's Ministry of Defence (MoD) has initiated a formal probe to determine whether military airfields were used by the late financier Jeffrey Epstein for flights connected to his sex trafficking network. The investigation follows the submission of a five-page dossier by former Prime Minister Gordon Brown to six different police forces, prompting a wide-ranging inquiry into Epstein's activities in the UK.
Defence Secretary John Healey has personally ordered a comprehensive review of all records held by the department related to flights operated by Epstein. The probe aims to uncover and provide any relevant information to civilian police authorities. This development broadens the scope of the ongoing Epstein-related investigations, which now scrutinize the potential use of secure government aviation infrastructure for criminal purposes.
Investigation Details and Scope
The MoD's action is part of a multi-agency response to new information. According to an MoD spokesperson, "The defence secretary has ordered a review of all records that the department may hold relating to Epstein flights landing at RAF bases to ensure that any information which relates to Epstein's crimes is uncovered and provided to the relevant authorities. The MoD will support any civilian police investigations."
In parallel, Essex Police have confirmed they are assessing specific allegations that victims were flown into the private terminal at London Stansted Airport (STN). This is one of several lines of inquiry being pursued by law enforcement. The broader investigation, prompted by Gordon Brown's dossier, involves allegations against Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and his potential use of Royal Air Force (RAF) bases to meet with Epstein.
Earlier this month, both Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and former US ambassador Lord Peter Mandelson were arrested and subsequently released under investigation and on bail, respectively, in connection with their alleged links to Epstein. Thames Valley Police confirmed Mountbatten-Windsor's arrest was on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
Flight Log Analysis
Central to the investigations are recently released flight logs associated with Epstein's private Boeing 727, operating under the registration N908JE. Analysis of these logs reveals a significant number of flights connected to the UK. According to a BBC investigation, approximately 90 flights linked to Epstein either arrived at or departed from British airports between the early 1990s and 2018.
Crucially, the data shows that approximately 15 of these flights occurred after Epstein's 2008 conviction and jail sentence in Florida for child sex offenses. The aircraft, widely nicknamed the 'Lolita Express', was known to transport women and girls between Epstein's properties. The UK flight records indicate repeated trips, including to smaller airfields situated near royal residences in both England and Scotland, raising further questions about the purpose and passengers of these flights.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has addressed the public calls for transparency, stating that the flight logs cannot be released while active police investigations are underway. "I think it’s important to appreciate there’s obviously a police investigation going on," Starmer said. "And I think it’s right... that that has to go wherever the evidence takes it, and we have to let that investigation run its course before deciding what next action needs to be taken.”
Use of Military Airfields
The possibility of a private aircraft using military facilities is not, in itself, unusual. An MoD spokesman previously clarified that it is "standard practice" for private or commercial aircraft to utilize RAF airfields. This access is typically granted in exchange for a fee that covers all associated costs, such as landing fees, handling, and security. The primary condition for such use is that it must not interfere with military operations, compromise security, or disrupt the normal functioning of the airfield. The current probe will likely examine whether Epstein's flights met these criteria and what level of vetting was applied.
Why This Matters
This investigation marks a significant escalation in the UK's examination of the Jeffrey Epstein affair, extending scrutiny from civilian airports to secure military installations. It raises critical questions about the oversight of private aviation at sensitive government sites and the potential exploitation of such access for criminal activities. For the aviation and defence sectors, the outcome of the MoD's review could lead to stricter protocols and vetting procedures for the private use of military airfields, impacting a long-standing practice.
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Written by Ujjwal Sukhwani
Aviation News Editor & Industry Analyst delivering clear coverage for a worldwide audience. Covers flight operations, safety regulations, and market trends with expert analysis.
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