Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested by British police on Thursday on suspicion of “misconduct in public office” (MiPO) following revelations in Jeffrey Epstein’s files.
In a statement Thursday, Thames Valley Police confirmed that “as part of the investigation, we arrested a 60-year-old man from Norfolk today (2/19) on suspicion of misconduct in public office and are conducting searches at addresses in Berkshire and Norfolk. It said the man, who it has not named in accordance with police procedures, “remains in police custody at this time,” CBS News reported.
What is “misconduct in public office”?
Misconduct in public office refers to the serious willful abuse or neglect of a power or duty held in public office – according to the website of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) – the chief prosecution service for England and Wales, responsible for prosecuting criminal cases investigated by the police and other authorities.
The CPS states that an offense is committed when “a public officer acting as such willfully neglects the performance of his duty and/or willfully conducts himself to such an extent as to constitute an abuse of the public trust in the office holder without reasonable excuse or justification”.
Under the CPS, “Misconduct in Public Office” (“MiPO”) is a common law offense that can only be tried on indictment.
The former prince’s arrest comes after an anti-royal organization reportedly called on police to investigate documents suggesting Andrew shared confidential government information with the late convicted sex offender while the Royal was working as a British envoy.
What is the sentence for MiPO?
Misconduct in public office carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.
The CPS states that for the offense to apply there must be a direct link between the misconduct and the abuse of those powers or duties.
The Court of Appeal made it clear that the offense should be strictly limited and can raise complex and sometimes sensitive questions.
Probe against Andrew; Epstein’s ties
The investigation into former Prince Andrew centers on alleged irregularities during his time as the UK’s Special Representative for International Trade and Investment, which he held from 2001 to 2011.
According to the Epstein files recently released by the US Department of Justice, the former prince may have shared sensitive information from the British government with the US financier.
Investigators are said to be reviewing emails, economic reports and other communications that could point to the transfer of confidential data, including material related to Hong Kong, Singapore and potentially the British Treasury.