A US Embassy employee suspected of possessing child sexual abuse material was flown out of Britain and returned to the United States before UK police could question him, according to British media reports.
The unnamed staffer was reportedly removed from his south London home by American officials on August 25, taken to RAF Fairford and flown to the US, with reports suggesting he may have held diplomatic immunity.
The case is said to be linked to a US investigation involving the employee’s brother, who allegedly sent him indecent images of children, while suspected illegal material was reportedly discovered at the London property.
The US Embassy confirmed that a person assigned to its London mission was under investigation and had been reassigned to the United States, saying the allegations were being treated seriously.
However, conflicting accounts have emerged over when British authorities were notified: the embassy says UK law enforcement was promptly informed, while The Sun reported that police learned of the staffer’s departure only after he had left the country. London’s Metropolitan Police confirmed receiving notification from US authorities on August 25 and said it remains in contact with them over the investigation.
Image credit: James Kenny
