Epstein victims’ lawyer: UK police lack trust to probe Prince Andrew
Survivors of Jeffrey Epstein’s abuse network refuse to cooperate with British police investigating Prince Andrew, citing deep distrust in law enforcement. The lawyer warns the investigation faces collapse without their testimony.
The British inquiry into Prince Andrew’s alleged ties to Jeffrey Epstein’s abuse network is at risk of collapse after survivors of the convicted sex offender refused to cooperate with police, their lawyer has confirmed.
Glenn Garber, the New York-based attorney representing over 700 Epstein victims, stated that the women—many of whom live in the U.S.—do not trust British law enforcement to handle their claims with sensitivity or urgency. Garber, who has spent a decade pursuing Epstein’s enablers, described the Metropolitan Police’s handling of the case as "procedurally flawed and emotionally dismissive."
Key Points
- ✅ Epstein survivors refuse to engage with UK police due to distrust
- ⚡ Investigation into Prince Andrew may stall without survivor testimony
- 💡 British police face criticism over handling of sensitive abuse claims
According to Garber, the reluctance stems from past experiences where victims felt re-traumatized by law enforcement responses. "These women have already endured years of legal battles," he said. "They won’t subject themselves to another round of what they see as institutional failure."
📋 By The Numbers
- 700+ — Epstein victims represented by Garber’s firm
- 14 — Years since Epstein’s 2010 plea deal, which many victims called a mockery of justice
The Metropolitan Police Service confirmed it had not yet interviewed any of the alleged victims, despite Prince Andrew’s 2022 deposition admitting he had met Epstein’s victims at parties. The force stated it was "continuing to assess the available evidence" but declined to comment on the survivors’ refusal to engage.
| Aspect | UK Police Response | Survivors' Perspective |
|---|---|---|
| Trust | "Assessing evidence" | "Institutional failure" |
| Urgency | Ongoing assessment | Years of delayed justice |
| Sensitivity | Not addressed | Retraumatization concerns |
Legal experts warn that without survivor testimony, the case against Prince Andrew—who has consistently denied wrongdoing—could hinge on circumstantial evidence alone. Garber has urged British authorities to work through intermediaries trusted by the victims, such as trauma-informed lawyers and advocacy groups, to rebuild credibility.
💡 Pro Tip
For law enforcement handling sensitive abuse cases: Prioritize trauma-informed training for investigators and establish clear, victim-centered protocols before requesting interviews.
The standoff highlights broader tensions between U.S. and UK law enforcement over cross-border abuse cases. In 2021, the FBI handed over a 30,000-page dossier on Epstein’s network to British authorities, yet no arrests or charges have been linked to the U.K. since. Critics argue the Metropolitan Police’s slow response reflects a pattern of under-resourcing high-profile abuse cases.
- 📊 30,000 pages of evidence provided by FBI remain largely unacted upon
- 🔍 UK police face scrutiny over resource allocation in abuse cases
- ⚠️ Without survivor cooperation, Prince Andrew’s case may collapse
Garber has not ruled out filing a civil suit in the U.S. if the British investigation falters. "The women deserve answers," he said. "If the U.K. won’t provide them, we’ll pursue every legal avenue available."