Andrew’s arrest does not guarantee justice for trafficking victims, says top US lawyer

Gloria Allred, a prominent US lawyer representing several victims of Jeffrey Epstein, stated on February 20, 2026, that the arrest of Prince Andrew (Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor) on allegations of sharing state trade secrets does not guarantee justice for trafficking victims, as these claims were prioritized over sexual assault accusations against the royal trade envoy. The high-profile lawyer made her remarks amid ongoing legal proceedings against the Duke of York, who was recently apprehended in connection with allegations that he shared sensitive trade secrets during his time as a UK trade envoy. Allred emphasized that while the arrest represents a significant development in the case, it may divert attention from the more serious accusations of sexual assault and human trafficking that have been leveled against the royal. She expressed concern that the focus on trade secret violations might overshadow the experiences of Epstein's victims who have come forward with allegations against Prince Andrew. Allred's statement comes at a critical juncture in the legal saga surrounding Prince Andrew, which has been developing for years since Epstein's conviction in 2019. The Duke has consistently denied the sexual assault allegations, while the recent charges related to trade secrets mark a new direction in the legal challenges against him.