2 days ago
US Diplomat Accused of Child Abuse Images Flown from UK
A US diplomat working in London was accused of having illegal images involving children.
Reports say the images may have been sent by the diplomat’s brother.
US Marines reportedly went to the diplomat’s home in Putney and detained him.
They then took him to a US military air base and flew him back to America.
British police were reportedly not told until after he had left the country.
UK officials said foreign diplomats must follow British laws.
A US source said removing him quickly avoided long delays and diplomatic discussions.
The investigation is continuing, and the diplomat has only been accused, not convicted.
An unidentified US diplomat in London was accused of possessing child sexual abuse material on electronic devices.
The material was allegedly sent to the diplomat by his brother in the United States.
US Marines reportedly detained the diplomat at his Putney residence on August 25 and took him to a US air base.
UK authorities were reportedly informed only after the diplomat had been removed from the country.
Flight data reviewed by The Sun indicated a Kalitta Air flight traveled from RAF Fairford to Dover Air Force Base after the reported raid.
- Who
- An unidentified US diplomat, US Marines, UK authorities, and US officials.
- What
- The diplomat was accused of possessing child sexual abuse material and was reportedly detained and flown to the United States.
- Where
- The reported detention occurred at the diplomat’s residence in Putney, London; the reported flight traveled from RAF Fairford to Dover Air Force Base.
- When
- The reported raid occurred on August 25, after a related flight reached RAF Fairford on August 24.
- Why
- A US diplomatic source said the extraction avoided potentially lengthy delays and diplomatic discussions, while UK officials objected to the lack of prior coordination.
UK Authorities’ Concerns
US Officials’ Defense
Authority and coordination
UK Authorities’ Concerns
UK officials and authorities reportedly believed the US Marines should have informed and coordinated with the Metropolitan Police Service before detaining the diplomat.
US Officials’ Defense
A US diplomatic source defended the operation as decisive action that avoided delays and diplomatic discussions that could have lasted weeks or months.
Compliance with UK law
UK Authorities’ Concerns
The UK government said foreign diplomats in the UK are expected to abide by British laws.
US Officials’ Defense
The United States Embassy in London said all personnel are expected to meet the highest standards of conduct and that the allegations are being taken seriously.
Key facts
- Allegation
- Possession of indecent, sexually explicit material involving children
- Reported detention date
- August 25
- Reported location
- The diplomat’s residence in Putney, London
- Alleged source of material
- The diplomat’s brother in the United States
- Reported flight route
- RAF Fairford to Dover Air Force Base
- Aircraft operator
- Kalitta Air
- UK government position
- Foreign diplomats are expected to follow UK laws; officials declined further comment while the US investigation continues
- US Embassy position
- The allegations are being taken seriously, and personnel are expected to meet the highest standards of conduct
Quotes
US embassy in London spokesperson
Representative of the United States embassy in London.
“We are aware of allegations concerning an individual assigned to the Embassy. The United States government expects all personnel to adhere to the highest standards of conduct, and we take these allegations seriously.”
wionews.com
“We expect all foreign diplomats in the UK to abide by our laws. As a US investigation is ongoing, it would not be appropriate to comment further.”
wionews.com
Sources
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