Surrey Police has launched a criminal investigation into allegations of historic child sexual abuse linked to the files of disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein after two women reportedly came forward claiming they were victims of abuse in Britain.
The investigation marks the first known UK police inquiry connected to the Epstein files that specifically examines allegations of sexual harm against women and girls on British soil.
Police said the alleged offences date back to the 1980s and 1990s and involve locations in Surrey and Berkshire, with some claims reportedly linked to the Windsor area.
The case adds fresh pressure on British authorities as police forces across the UK continue reviewing material connected to Epstein and his network of wealthy and politically connected associates.
Surrey Police Confirm Criminal Investigation
In an official statement, Surrey Police confirmed officers are investigating two separate allegations of non-recent child sexual abuse following the publication of documents released by the United States Department of Justice in late 2025.
The force said one investigation relates to alleged incidents in Surrey and Berkshire between the mid-1990s and 2000, while the second concerns alleged offences in west Surrey during the late 1980s.
Specialist officers from the force’s public protection unit are leading the inquiry.
Police confirmed they have interviewed alleged victims and are examining evidence to determine whether criminal offences took place.
At this stage, no arrests have been made and no suspects have reportedly been questioned.
Investigators are understood to be gathering evidence capable of either supporting or disproving the allegations.
Epstein Files Continue Triggering International Investigations
The Surrey investigation follows the publication of documents connected to Jeffrey Epstein by the US Department of Justice.
The files contain references to alleged trafficking, sexual abuse and connections involving powerful public figures, prompting renewed scrutiny in several countries.
Epstein died in a New York prison cell in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges involving underage girls.
The case generated worldwide attention because of Epstein’s extensive social and political connections with wealthy business leaders, celebrities and politicians.
British police forces have increasingly examined whether any alleged criminal activity linked to Epstein occurred within the UK.
According to reports, Surrey Police began reviewing the material months before formally launching the criminal investigation.
In February, the force issued a public appeal for witnesses after discovering references to alleged offences involving a minor in Virginia Water, Surrey, between 1994 and 1996.
Police said no formal reports relating to those allegations had previously been recorded in Surrey Police systems.
Women Came Forward After Public Appeal
Following the public appeal, several people reportedly contacted police claiming to have relevant information.
According to reports, two women later identified themselves as alleged victims mentioned in the Epstein-related documents.
After officers took formal statements, Surrey Police upgraded the matter into a full criminal investigation.
The development is considered significant because it represents the first British criminal inquiry linked to the Epstein files involving allegations of direct harm against female victims in the UK.
Campaigners and abuse survivors have long argued that authorities should investigate whether Epstein’s alleged trafficking network operated internationally, including within Britain.
Wider UK Investigations Underway
The Surrey case is one of several investigations now linked to material contained in the Epstein files.
British police forces are also reportedly examining allegations connected to flights arriving in the UK that may have involved trafficked women allegedly linked to Epstein’s network.
According to reports, six separate police forces are currently assessing whether criminal investigations should be opened concerning those flights.
A national coordination group led by the National Police Chiefs’ Council is overseeing British policing efforts connected to the Epstein material.
The investigations have reportedly raised concerns among British authorities about access to evidence held in the United States.
Police sources fear that British prosecutors may struggle to pursue criminal charges unless the US government agrees to release original, unredacted documents connected to the Epstein files.
So far, only heavily redacted documents have been published publicly by the US Department of Justice.
Prince Andrew and Peter Mandelson Deny Wrongdoing
The wider Epstein investigations have already drawn high-profile British figures into public scrutiny.
Prince Andrew and former UK cabinet minister Peter Mandelson are reportedly under separate investigations linked to allegations of misconduct in public office.
Both men deny any wrongdoing.
Reports suggest the investigations focus on allegations involving sensitive information allegedly connected to Epstein.
Thames Valley Police is reportedly handling matters involving Prince Andrew, while the Metropolitan Police is examining allegations connected to Mandelson.
Neither investigation has resulted in criminal charges.
Prince Andrew’s association with Epstein has remained controversial for years following allegations surrounding his friendship with the convicted sex offender.
The Duke of York has repeatedly denied accusations made against him and stepped back from official royal duties amid mounting controversy.
Pressure Growing on UK Authorities
The latest developments are likely to intensify pressure on British police and prosecutors to determine whether criminal offences connected to Epstein’s alleged activities occurred in the UK.
Child protection groups and campaigners have repeatedly criticised authorities internationally for failing to fully investigate allegations surrounding Epstein’s network while he was alive.
The case also raises broader questions about how powerful individuals may have escaped scrutiny for years despite repeated warnings and allegations.
Legal experts say historic abuse cases can be especially difficult to investigate because of the passage of time, limited evidence and challenges securing witness testimony decades later.
However, police forces increasingly stress that allegations of non-recent abuse are taken seriously regardless of when offences are alleged to have occurred.
Surrey Police said inquiries remain ongoing and further updates will be provided as investigations progress.
