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Authorities launch Diddy probe in UK amid concerns of international victims


Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs visited the UK many times over the years (Picture: Mark Von Holden/Invision/AP, File)

The team investigating allegations made against Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs has reportedly launched a search for potential UK victims.

Combs, 54, is currently remanded to Brooklyn’s Metropolitan Detention Center for charges of sex trafficking, racketeering, and transportation to engage in prostitution.

Now said to be on suicide watch, the disgraced music mogul has been denied bail twice.

The star’s Los Angeles mansion was raided in March, where police seized supplies intended for use in orgies, including drugs and more than 1,000 bottles of baby oil.

Combs, who has also been charged with drug possession and firearms offences in America, has regularly visited Britain over the last three decades.

Following his detainment, prosecutors seized flight records that show his lengthy travel history to the UK.

He has been denied bail twice and will remain behind bars until his trial (Picture: Reuters)

Consequently, it’s believed authorities are not ruling out the possibility of accusers coming forward across the pond.

A US source told The Mirror: ‘Wherever he went, the team are now following. Outside of the States, he enjoyed no place more than the UK.’

The insider added: ‘Given the huge amount of time he spent in London, there are concerns that the alleged offending was not confined to America’s shores.

‘Prosecutors are imploring anyone in the UK who may have information they feel could help the investigation to get in touch.’

Combs has long made his love for the UK clear.

He visited several times between 2008 and 2010 while shooting and promoting Get Him to the Greek, having taken on a supporting role in the Russell Brand film.

Brand, who was the subject of a Dispatches special last year when several women accused him of rape, which he denies, previously said of working with Combs: ‘He looked after me, he took me on an enforced holiday to Vegas.’

Allegations made against Combs date back to 2008 (Picture: Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images)
He has denied the claims against him (Picture: Pp/ZUMA Press Wire/REX/Shutterstock)

In June 2010, Combs visited London again, returning just three months later to mark the launch of his fashion brand.

At an event for Sean John, he said of being in the capital: ‘I have always enjoyed travelling throughout Europe and spend much of my vacation time here.

‘London truly feels like a second home to me.’

In May 2017, Combs visited the UK with then-girlfriend Cassie Ventura, taking her to a high-end restaurant in Mayfair.

Years later, Ventura became one of several women to file a lawsuit against her ex, accusing him of using his authority to orchestrate a ‘manipulative and coercive romantic and sexual relationship.’

Then, in May, CCTV footage was leaked of Combs assaulting Ventura in the hallway of a hotel in 2016, with his statement issued a day later declaring he was ‘disgusted’ by his behaviour.

Allegations made against Combs currently date back to 2008.

Fans have expressed concern about his previous friendship with Justin Bieber (Picture: Getty Images)

Following his arrest, numerous interview clips and interactions involving the rapper have resurfaced, as well as warning signs posted by other celebrities over the years.

Most notably, Combs appeared to predict his own arrest back in the 1990s.

During a 1999 interview with Entertainment Tonight, Combs spoke about the type of parties he liked to throw, with the comments sounding rather eerie 25 years on.

He said: ‘They won’t even give me a permit for the parties no more, but we’re gonna keep having fun, bringing people together from all walks of life.

‘You’re gonna hear about my parties, they’re gonna be shutting them down, they’ll probably be arresting me for all types of crazy things just because we wanted to have a good time.

‘Whenever you bring up a different element into people’s environment, things that broaden people’s horizons, people get intimidated.’

Concern was also sparked among fans when delving into Combs’ friendship with Justin Bieber, with him promising the Baby hitmaker, 15 at the time, lavish gifts and joking about having ‘custody’ of the teen.

Cassie Ventura is one of several women to have filed lawsuits against the rapper (Picture: Denise Truscello/WireImage for Jet Nightclub)

He also made shocking claims about ‘locking up’ women at his ‘kinky’ parties, while Ashton Kutcher hinted at a ‘lot he can’t tell’ about partying with Combs.

Since he was put behind bars, Combs’ legal representative, Marc Agnifilo, has repeatedly stated that the musician is innocent.

He vowed to ‘fight like hell’ to get him out on bail, TMZ reported. 

His lawyers argued that he should be spared jail while he awaits trial and suggested a $50million (£37.5million) bond with electronic monitoring, weekly drug tests, a visitor log, the surrender of his passport, and no contact with women.

However, the judge denied bail and expressed concerns that it would affect the case.

‘My bigger concern deals with the danger of obstruction of justice and the danger of witness tampering,’ Judge Andrew Carter said. ‘That is a real concern that I have here.’

Combs shall remain in jail until his trial.

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