Revealed trade secrets led to Andrew's arrest

Police arrested the former Prince Andrew on Thursday morning. The background is emails that the ex-royal sent to Jeffrey Epstein.

In the video: On his 66th birthday: Ex-Prince Andrew was arrested

During his time as British Trade Representative Andrew therefore shared confidential information with the convicted sex offender. This is reported by the Telegraph. In October 2010, the son of Queen Elizabeth II sent official reports of a trip to Asia to Singapore, Vietnam, Hong Kong and China to Epstein just five minutes after receiving them.

This was a confidential briefing on investment opportunities in Afghanistan’s Helmand province. The emails are part of the files Epstein casewhich were released to the public by the U.S. Department of Justice late last year and early this year.

Andrew broke the law by sharing trade secrets

An email says: “Enclosed is a confidential report prepared by the Provincial Reconstruction Team in Helmand Province for international investment opportunities. These are not exclusive to Helmand Province, but are primarily focused on this province.”

In doing so, Andrew committed a crime. Under UK government guidelines, trade representatives are subject to a duty of confidentiality that continues even after they leave office.

Prince Andrew (left) with alleged abuse victim Virginia Giuffre and Epstein confidante Ghislaine Maxwell. US Department of Justice/dpa

That happened on Thursday morning arrest of the former royal at his home on the Sandringham Estate. Andrew is officially suspected of abuse of office. According to the Telegraph, a total of eight British police authorities are investigating King Charles’ brother.

Andrew is also accused of rape in connection with his contacts with Jeffrey Epstein. Virginia Giuffre, who died of suicide in 2025, accuses the ex-prince of sexually abusing her as a teenager. In 2022, Andrew is said to have paid the Australian £12 million to settle a civil lawsuit she had brought.