Files containing child abuse images were allegedly discovered among the possessions of Meghan Markle’s estranged father, Thomas Markle, in the Philippines, it has been claimed. Detectives in the Philippines are urgently trawling through boxes of items said to belong to the 82-year-old retired lighting director. Initial forensic probes into the haul – reportedly left at his property in Cebu City – have uncovered “multiple files containing depraved imagery” featuring minors, authorities have confirmed.
The bombshell investigation was sparked last month after Markle’s own son, Thomas Markle Jr, alerted authorities. He claimed to have unearthed “hundreds, if not thousands” of vile images at his father’s former Asian residence, handing over boxes of material and triggering a massive multi-agency hunt. Thomas Markle Snr denies all allegations against him.
According to The Times, the Philippine National Police (PNP) is investigating whether Markle appears in the images found, who produced them and who owns the devices.
Major General Wilson Asueta, the PNP’s acting director for investigation management, confirmed on Tuesday that Philippine investigators have not been in contact with British cops.
Philippine detectives are currently combing through a staggering haul of tech, including nine mobile phones, three SD cards, five hard drives, a camera, and printed materials.
“If there is evidence then we will file a case,” a stern police official warned.
A senior officer revealed the horrifying material does not appear to have originated in the Philippines, but involves both Asian and Caucasian minors, with videos depicting young male and female children.
Markle moved to Cebu City with his son in January last year before returning to the US in May due to his failing health.
While authorities have not yet officially confirmed the seized devices belonged to Markle, his son insists they do. Major General Asueta confirmed ownership remains an “active part” of the investigation, adding that detectives are leaving no stone unturned and are closely examining the circumstances surrounding Thomas Markle Jr’s involvement.
It is understood no formal complaint has yet been lodged against Thomas Markle Snr.
The Duchess of Sussex has previously revealed that Scotland Yard detectives presented her with a letter containing “disturbing and troubling allegations” about her estranged father back in 2019.
The letter, believed to have been penned by Markle’s late former wife Roslyn Loveless, contained the chilling allegation that he travelled to Asia because “12-year-olds are legal there.”
Now, the Met Police has referred itself to the police watchdog after failing to flag these claims to foreign authorities.
