Prince Andrew emails with Jeffrey Epstein ‘likely to be examined by FBI probe into alleged sex trafficking ring’
PRINCE Andrew’s emails with paedo pal Jeffrey Epstein are likely to be examined by the FBI as their investigation into an alleged sex trafficking ring continues.
Agents are set to carry out a “forensic” sweep of online messages which will reveal if Epstein’s friends were aware of any criminal behaviour.
And if "interesting" emails from the Duke of York are found he could be asked to give the FBI his own computers, reports the .
Cops have already seized an Apple device and two desktop computers from the millionaire’s private island in the US Virgin Islands.
His devices are now forming a significant part of their ongoing investigation which comes weeks after he hanged himself in his cell while awaiting trial.
FBI KEEN TO TALK
And a former New York prosecutor claims agents will "absolutely" want to talk to Andrew about his friendship with Epstein.
Adam Citron said detectives in the US will quiz Andrew online or even send one of their investigators to visit him in the UK.
He added: "They’ll talk to him on Skype, or set up a secure line, or they’ll send an investigator to London.
“They’ll have questions about his friendship with Epstein, times they were together, who else was there, information on other people.”
While I wish his full cooperation had come sooner, as many things could have turned out differently, it is always better late than never
Brad Edwards
The disgraced financier, 66, hanged himself in his New York jail cell on August 10 amid a string of multi-million dollar lawsuits brought by some of his alleged victims.
Andrew was notoriously photographed with his arm around Epstein’s alleged “sex slave” Virginia Roberts, now Virginia Giuffre, when she was 17.
But he has denied sleeping with her and declared himself “appalled” by reports of his former friend’s “alleged crimes”.
Ms Giuffre's claims against Andrew were struck from a court case in 2015. The judge ruled they were “immaterial and impertinent”.
Her lawyer, Brad Edwards, told the Telegraph he is “thankful” for the Duke’s corporation, adding it’s “better late than never”.
They’ll have questions about his friendship with Epstein, times they were together, who else was there, information on other people
Adam Citron
He said: “We have, for years, been asking for his assistance. I have noticed in his last few statements he seems more willing to help than he has in the past.
“For that, we are truly thankful. While I wish his full cooperation had come sooner, as many things could have turned out differently, it is always better late than never.”
At least five women who say they were abused by Epstein have filed lawsuits against his £458million estate after the paedo killed himself.
All said Epstein used a “vast enterprise” of associates to recruit them, subject them to unwanted sex acts and keep them under his control.
ABUSED
He was arrested on July 6 over claims he was involved in the sex-trafficking of dozens of girls as young as 14 from at least 2002 until 2005.
Epstein had denied the charges and was being held in prison until his trial where he was facing up to 45 years in prison if convicted.
Buckingham Palace said the Duke of York would help authorities on both sides of the Atlantic in any investigations into the disgraced millionaire.
In a statement Andrew said: "It is apparent to me since the suicide of Mr Epstein that there has been an immense amount of media speculation about so much in his life.
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"This is particularly the case in relation to my former association or friendship with Mr Epstein.
"Therefore I am eager to clarify the facts to avoid further speculation.
"I met Mr Epstein in 1999. During the time I knew him, I saw him infrequently and probably no more than only once or twice a year. I have stayed in a number of his residences.
"At no stage during the limited time I spent with him did I see, witness or suspect any behaviour of the sort that subsequently led to his arrest and conviction."
A previous Buckingham Palace statement said: "The Duke of York has been appalled by the recent reports of Jeffrey Epstein's alleged crimes.
"His Royal Highness deplores the exploitation of any human being and the suggestion he would condone, participate in or encourage any such behaviour is abhorrent."
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