A staff member at the U.S. Embassy in London, who held diplomatic protection despite not being a diplomat, was detained at his south London residence and flown out of the United Kingdom in August. The individual was reportedly removed before British police had the opportunity to interview him.
The U.S. Embassy confirmed to the BBC that an investigation into the allegations is underway and that the staff member has been reassigned to the United States while inquiries continue. Embassy officials stated that the U.S. government expects all personnel to adhere to the highest standards of conduct and takes such allegations seriously. They also indicated that UK law enforcement was promptly informed and swift action was taken.
The individual was employed at the U.S. Embassy in Vauxhall, south west London. While not a diplomat, he was afforded the umbrella of diplomatic protection. He departed the UK on a commercial flight, and investigations are ongoing in cooperation with U.S. authorities.
Ministers at the Home Office and officials from the Metropolitan Police are reportedly in close contact with the U.S. Embassy regarding the ongoing investigations. A UK government spokesperson commented that "We expect all foreign diplomats in the UK to abide by our laws, in the same way we expect all UK diplomats to do so when posted overseas."