Newly disclosed information has revealed that United States federal investigators sought to question a member of the British royal family as part of a sprawling international sex trafficking investigation. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) attempted to arrange an interview with Prince Andrew, the Duke of York, during its probe into former Canadian fashion executive Peter Nygard.
The International Investigation into Peter Nygard
The request for an interview is connected to the FBI's extensive investigation into Peter Nygard, the founder of the now-defunct Nygard International clothing company. Nygard, a Finnish-Canadian citizen, faced serious allegations of sex trafficking and racketeering, leading to his extradition from Canada to the United States to stand trial. His legal troubles culminated in a conviction, and he was sentenced to a significant prison term.
The investigation into Nygard was notable for its international scope, involving authorities in Canada, the United States, and the Bahamas. Investigators were examining allegations that spanned decades and involved multiple jurisdictions. The probe also intersected with other high-profile cases concerning sexual abuse and exploitation.
Prince Andrew's Connections to the Case
The interest in Prince Andrew stems from his past associations. The Duke of York has been publicly linked to the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Epstein's own network and crimes have been the subject of numerous investigations and civil lawsuits. Given that Nygard and Epstein were acquaintances, and that some of the allegations in both cases involved similar patterns of exploiting young women, U.S. authorities sought to determine if Prince Andrew had any relevant information.
The FBI's attempt to interview Prince Andrew underscores the wide net cast by investigators as they worked to untangle the complex web of relationships and allegations. It is not publicly known whether the interview with the prince ultimately took place. Prince Andrew has consistently denied any wrongdoing in relation to the Epstein case and has settled a civil sexual assault lawsuit filed in the U.S.
Broader Context and Legal Proceedings
The revelation about the FBI's interest in Prince Andrew adds another layer to the ongoing public and legal scrutiny surrounding figures connected to Jeffrey Epstein. The Nygard case itself was a landmark prosecution, highlighting the use of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act to combat sex trafficking enterprises.
For Canadian audiences, the case remains significant due to Nygard's prominent status in the Canadian fashion industry and his ties to the country. The cooperation between Canadian and U.S. law enforcement was crucial in building the case that led to his extradition and conviction. The disclosure about the FBI's outreach to Prince Andrew was confirmed in documents dated December 23, 2025, providing a new detail in a story that has captured international attention for years.
This development serves as a reminder of the long-lasting and far-reaching consequences of major criminal investigations, often drawing in individuals from various spheres of influence across the globe.
