The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) investigation into Prince Andrew’s ties with convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein has stalled, according to insiders.
Sources have claimed that no significant progress has been made in the case for a considerable time, Mail Online reports.
Agents and attorneys involved in the investigation are reportedly “beyond frustrated” at the lack of new leads, with the probe being put on hold until fresh evidence surfaces. A source close to the case shared:
“The agents and attorneys who have, for years, worked diligently looking into Andrew’s friendship with Epstein are beyond frustrated. They’re angry that the probe has been parked.”
The investigation will reportedly not proceed unless new information can propel the case forward.
The insider also confirmed that the FBI’s efforts to explore Andrew’s connection with Epstein have been stagnant for an extended period.
The newly-released records form part of a case against Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s girlfriend who has been jailed for helping him abuse girls.
According to the BBC, other names include singer Michael Jackson and magician David Copperfield, though no wrongdoing is alleged.
Prince Andrew is accused of groping a woman, which he denies.
Some of the more than 100 people on the list make allegations about other individuals, or are potential witnesses.
Legal filings highlight the well-connected social circle in the orbit of Epstein, who pleaded guilty to soliciting prostitution from a minor in 2009.
However, the released documents contain no new bombshell revelation about Epstein, who died in jail awaiting trial over sex trafficking charges.
The document, covering about 900 pages, was released after an order by New York Judge Loretta Preska who said many of those named had already been identified by the media or in Maxwell’s criminal trial.
Judge Preska said that many others did not object to the release of the documents.
She also ordered that some names remain redacted because they would identify victims of sexual abuse. However, more documents in the case are expected to be released in the coming days.
The files include references to Johanna Sjoberg, who has claimed that Prince Andrew groped her breast while sitting on a couch inside Epstein’s Manhattan apartment in 2001.
Buckingham Palace has previously said her allegations are “categorically untrue”.
In one deposition, which has already been reported, Ms Sjoberg alleged that Prince Andrew put his hand on her breast to pose for a photo with another accuser, Virginia Giuffre, and a puppet that said “Prince Andrew” on it.
