Members of the UK Parliament are demanding the extradition of a U.S. diplomat who was allegedly found with child abuse images. The individual, a former U.S. serviceman working at the American Embassy in London, was reportedly removed from Britain and flown to the U.S. without the knowledge of British police.
The investigation into the diplomat began after U.S. officials reportedly discovered child abuse images at his residence. The probe was allegedly initiated due to concerns that the diplomat's U.S.-based brother was sending abusive material to him. However, British authorities were reportedly only informed of the situation after the diplomat had already been flown out of the country on a cargo flight.
Ben Obese-Jecty, Conservative MP for Huntingdon, called the diplomat's removal from Britain "absolutely grotesque" and accused the U.S. government of protecting alleged offenders. He further stated that U.S. military resources were used to transport the suspect, which he deemed unacceptable and a breach of the Visiting Forces Act 1952.
International litigation expert Mark Stephens echoed these sentiments, asserting that the U.S. had disregarded international law and "effectively extraordinarily rendered" its own citizen. He criticized the lack of notification to the Metropolitan Police, arguing that any crimes committed in the UK should be tried there, especially if they involve potential victims within the country.
Flight records indicate that a Kalitta Air Boeing 747 cargo aircraft traveled from Chicago to RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire on August 24. The following day, the same aircraft departed Fairford and arrived at Dover Air Force Base in Delaware. This movement occurred around the time of the diplomat's alleged extraction.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed they were alerted to the investigation by U.S. authorities on August 25, the same day the diplomat was reportedly flown out. A spokesperson stated, "On August 25, U.S. authorities made us aware of an investigation they are conducting into suspected offences in London relating to indecent images of children. We continue to liaise with them regarding this matter."
The U.S. Embassy acknowledged awareness of allegations concerning an individual assigned to the embassy, stating, "The United States government expects all personnel to adhere to the highest standards of conduct, and we take these allegations seriously."
The British Government issued a statement saying, "We expect all foreign diplomats in the UK to abide by our laws. As a U.S. investigation is ongoing, it would not be appropriate to comment further."