Andrew must aid inquiry to prove his innocence
PRINCE ANDREW finds himself this week at the centre of an escalating war as the FBI closes in on the inner circle that helped his paedophile pal Jeffrey Epstein.
Investigators want the Duke, who they view as a witness, to tell them about his dealings with Epstein and the people he met in America and Britain.
US agents hope Andrew could help them snare a “spider’s web” of what is thought to be up to 20 of the dead billionaire’s enablers. Officers think Andrew may have come into contact with at least six of them.
The Department of Justice in New York, which is leading the investigation into Epstein’s alleged crimes, has filed a Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA) request to the British government in a bid to force the Duke to supply a statement.
The tactic sparked a fierce attack by the Prince’s legal team who insist he has offered to talk to investigators.
But New York state prosecutor Geoffrey Berman, who is heading the inquiry into Epstein, hit back saying he “sought to falsely portray himself” as eager to co-operate with an inquiry.
Berman claimed the Prince “has not given an interview to federal authorities, has repeatedly declined our request to schedule an interview, and nearly four months ago informed us he would not come in for such an interview”.
If the MLA application is successful, Prince Andrew could find himself in court forced to answer questions about his friendship with the late paedophile on oath.
It would be the latest humiliation to befall the unemployed royal.
Until he does talk, his name will ceaselessly be dragged through the mud, with no prospect of a return to public life.
This scandal is so disturbing you would think any innocent man would be beating down the FBI’s door to clear his name.