Ghislaine Maxwell 'Tried To Flee During Arrest' And 'Had Phone Wrapped In Foil To Avoid Surveillance', Prosecutors Say

Ghislaine Maxwell tried to flee during her arrest and even "wrapped her phone in foil to avoid surveillance", prosecutors say.

More details surrounding the arrest of Jeffrey Epstein's former associate have been revealed after Maxwell was arrested earlier this month in New Hampshire.

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Revealing details about her arrest at the New Hampshire estate on 2nd July, prosecutors say Maxwell refused to open the door when they asked her to.

"Through a window, the agents saw the defendant ignore the direction to open the door and, instead, try to flee to another room in the house, quickly shutting a door behind her," they said.

Quickly, agents broke down the door in order to arrest Maxwell, with lawyers explaining the 58-year-old socialite was an "extraordinary" risk as she is "skilled at living in hiding" and holds various passports - including British, French and US.

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According to prosecutors, agents went on to search the property and found a mobile phone wrapped in tin foil. They described this as "a seemingly misguided effort to evade detection, not by the press or public, which of course would have no ability to trace her phone or intercept her communications, but by law enforcement".

At the time of her arrest, there was also reported to be a private security guard on site, who told the FBI that he had been hired to guard Maxwell.

The socialite is accused of helping billionaire paedophile Jeffrey Epstein traffic underage girls.

Prosecutors argue Maxwell was a key part of facilitating Epstein's horrendous crimes. They say she contributed to the "sexual exploitation that caused deep and lasting harm to vulnerable victims".

She has been charged with conspiracy to entice minors to travel to engage in illegal sex acts; enticing a minor to travel to engage in illegal sex acts; conspiracy to transport minors with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity and transporting a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity.

Maxwell meanwhile "vigorously denies the charges" and "intends to fight them".

Topics: News

Lucy Devine

Lucy is a journalist working for Tyla. After graduating with a master's degree in journalism, she has worked in both print and online and is particularly interested in fashion, food, health and women's issues. Northerner, coffee addict, says hun a lot. Get in touch at [email protected].

@lucedevine