On July 27, 2006, Jeffrey Epstein was arrested on the charge of solicitation for prostitution. Over 20 years after this arrest, and about seven years after his death, the Epstein files were released.
In the release of these files, which included emails, text messages and other forms of communication Epstein had during his lifetime, many public figures are facing consequences after their association with Epstein’s infamous sex trafficking ring. Major names are listed on these files, yet only a few arrests have been made at this point in time.
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Former Prince Andrew
Former Prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor marked one of the most high-profile arrests made in relation to the Epstein files.
Though his affiliation with Epstein did not result in a conviction, Windsor’s arrest created a seemingly cause-and-effect result as a stream of arrests and resignations followed. In recognizing a member of England’s prominent royal family as a possible criminal, larger strides have been made to arrest those related to this case.
The royal family has cut any ties with the former prince, even after he denied any involvement with Epstein. He has been stripped of all royal ties.
Peter Mandelson, Former British Ambassador to the U.S.
One of the U.S.’s former British ambassadors was recently released on bail after being arrested for leaking sensitive political information to Epstein. Mandelson, who was arrested just weeks after Windsor, is the subject of many photographs with Epstein over the years.
Their friendship was widely known and recognized, Mandelson supporting Epstein even after the allegations he received in 2008. It is said that their friendship began prior to Mandelson’s involvement in the U.S. Embassy, but continued well thereafter.
Mandelson’s charge did not relate to Epstein’s sex offense, but was rather labeled as misconduct in public office.
Former Prime Minister of Norway
The former prime minister of Norway was arrested under “gross corruption” due to his previous ties to Epstein. Thorbjørn Jagland visited Epstein even after he was charged with a child sex offence. Jagland also took his family to visit Epstein at his properties numerous times.
This political official has financial ties to Epstein, who paid for many of his travel endeavors. Though no recent information about Jagland’s arrest has been shared, his properties have been searched by police and he is expected to be questioned.
Thomas Pritzker, chairman of Hyatt Hotels
Though not arrested for his ties to Epstein, Thomas Pritzker recently stepped down after a collection of emails was publicly released in the files. Pritzker has announced his retirement as the former chairman of Hyatt Hotels after holding this position for 20 years.
In a statement recently released by Pritzker, he claims, “I exercised terrible judgment in maintaining contact with them, and there is no excuse for failing to distance myself sooner.”
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