BBC Investigation Reveals Jeffrey Epstein's London Properties and Lack of UK Police Investigation
Introduction
A BBC investigation has found that Jeffrey Epstein rented four apartments in the Kensington and Chelsea areas of London. He used these flats to house several women he is accused of abusing. The investigation also discovered that, even though two separate reports were made to the Metropolitan Police in 2015 and 2020, UK authorities never carried out a formal criminal investigation into Epstein's activities in the country.
Main Body
The investigation examined Epstein's financial records and travel documents. It identified six women who later reported being victims and were housed in these flats. Several of these women had been brought to the UK from Russia and Eastern Europe. Evidence suggests that some were forced to recruit other young women. For example, one case involved sending photos of models to Epstein for his approval. Between 2011 and 2019, Epstein bought at least 53 Eurostar tickets to transport women between England and France. Sometimes he used cheaper youth fares for passengers under 25. One woman was transported just 16 days before his arrest in 2019. The BBC also recorded over 120 private and commercial flights linked to Epstein that arrived at or left UK airports. Some of these flights carried alleged victims. Despite a report from Virginia Giuffre in 2015 and another complaint from a second woman in early 2020, the Metropolitan Police did not start a domestic investigation. The force stated that it had followed "reasonable lines of inquiry" and interviewed Ms. Giuffre several times. However, it concluded that "no allegation of criminal conduct was made against any UK-based individual." In statements issued in 2016, 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2025, the Met repeated its position that "other international authorities were best placed" to investigate Epstein. The National Crime Agency did send financial intelligence to the FBI. This included records of payments to a Coutts bank account used for rent on a Chelsea flat where victims were housed. Human rights lawyer Tessa Gregory from Leigh Day expressed surprise that no UK police investigation had ever started. She emphasized that under UK law, credible allegations of human trafficking require the state to carry out a prompt, effective, and independent inquiry. Kevin Hyland, a former senior Metropolitan Police detective and the UK's first independent anti-slavery commissioner, described the situation as a series of missed opportunities. He questioned which police official made the decision to allow Epstein to continue his activities. Lisa Phillips, a survivor of Epstein's abuse, stated that multiple women had come forward to UK authorities. She is now calling for a public inquiry to find out what went wrong and to prevent future failures.
Conclusion
The BBC's findings show a major gap in how UK law enforcement responded to allegations of human trafficking and sexual abuse involving a well-known individual. Survivors, legal experts, and former officials are now calling for a formal public inquiry. They want to examine why no domestic investigation took place and to recommend changes to the system.