The police in the UK have taken the man formerly known as Prince Andrew into custody on Thursday, February 19, the day the royal turned 66, as the police begin an investigation into allegations of misconduct in public office amid renewed scrutiny of the royal’s past association with the deceased convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein.
According to a press release from the Thames Valley Police, the police have arrested a man in his sixties from Norfolk on suspicion of misconduct in public office and are conducting searches at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk, with the arrestee currently in custody.
The arrest was made in accordance with the law and the police will not name the arrestee in accordance with national guidelines, cautioning the press to refrain from contempt of court, especially since the arrest and the investigations are active, the police said in the release.
According to the police’s Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright, the police have initiated the investigations “following a thorough assessment” of the allegations, and the police are working in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies and have to ensure the integrity and objectivity of the investigations.
The suspect’s name was not released to the public, though the Associated Press and other media outlets have stated that the suspect in the case is Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the younger brother of King Charles III, and that he has long been at the center of a number of controversies regarding his association with Epstein.
According to the reports, police vehicles without identifying marks were spotted at the Sandringham estate in Norfolk, England, the supposed location of the suspect’s residence.
Epstein, an American citizen and financier, died in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal charges of sex trafficking, though he was convicted in 2008 in Florida on charges of soliciting a minor.
There have been recent reports that the suspect in the case was involved in the sharing of confidential information while carrying out his public duties, and that the police are currently investigating whether the suspect’s actions constitute misconduct in public office.
Thames Valley Police stated that there will be no press conference and that there will be no media interviews, nor will there be any further statements at the present time.
According to the police, the law in the UK states that an arrest must be made based on reasonable grounds to suspect a crime and to suspect that making the arrest is necessary.
As part of the investigation, we have today (19/2) arrested a man in his sixties from Norfolk on suspicion of misconduct in public office and are carrying out searches at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk.
The man remains in police custody at this time.
We will not be naming the arrested man, as per national guidance. Please also remember that this case is now active so care should be taken with any publication to avoid being in contempt of court.
Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright said: “Following a thorough assessment, we have now opened an investigation into this allegation of misconduct in public office.
“It is important that we protect the integrity and objectivity of our investigation as we work with our partners to investigate this alleged offence.
“We understand the significant public interest in this case, and we will provide updates at the appropriate time.”
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