Epstein Scandal: UK Investigates Use of Military Bases for Human Trafficking

The British defence ministry has ordered an unprecedented review of aviation archives in response to suspicions that Jeffrey Epstein's network may have used military airfields for the illegal transport of women and minors. Investigators are checking whether the guest status of influential individuals allowed for the bypassing of standard customs and passport procedures at RAF bases. This operation aims to clarify whether state infrastructure was unwittingly drawn into human trafficking. Jeffrey Epstein was an American financier accused of creating an international pedophile network, who died in custody in 2019. His connections with political elites and royal families have sparked controversy in Europe and the US for years.Simultaneously, Brussels has initiated an inquiry into Lord Peter Mandelson. Auditors are examining his actions from his tenure as EU Trade Commissioner, focusing on alleged benefits from his relationship with Epstein. The situation is complicated by the fact that a lobbying firm linked to Mandelson has admitted to the loss of some business emails from that period. „The Ministry of Defence takes these reports with the utmost seriousness and will analyze every flight that could have raised doubts.” — UK Government Spokesperson The scandal also ricochets off the prestige of the British monarchy, particularly in the context of Prince Andrew's previous links to the accused. Although recent searches at Hillsborough Castle did not confirm Epstein's stay at that residence, pressure for a full explanation is growing both in London and in Berlin, where German politicians are demanding an investigation into possible German connections. 55 — press articles analyze new threads in the Epstein caseThe increased activity of law enforcement and public opinion suggests the case is entering a phase of institutional reckoning. While earlier stages focused on private individuals, current investigations are targeting national security procedures and diplomatic transparency. German investigators have already announced that after reviewing the British files, they will take appropriate steps, which could mean expanding the investigation to other European countries.