Thomas Markle Investigation Opens After Estranged Son Reports Material
Thomas Markle is reportedly facing an investigation after his estranged son, Thomas Markle Jr., reported finding hundreds of child pornographic images at his home in Cebu, Philippines, according to reports. The 82-year-old father of Meghan Markle was allegedly found to be in possession of illicit material stored across four large boxes and a mobile phone, according to details published by The Sun.
Discovery in Cebu and Reports Filed Across Jurisdictions
Thomas Markle Jr. stated that he uncovered the material while caring for his father in the Philippines amid his ongoing health issues. The discovery included hundreds, if not thousands, of images, along with videos of young girls engaged in sexual acts and a 15-minute video of naked girls on his father’s old cellphone. Thomas Jr. also claimed he found similar images of naked girls, with one appearing to be at his father’s former home in Rosarito, Mexico.
On July 10, Thomas Jr. reported the findings to local law enforcement, the FBI hotline, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, and state police in Pennsylvania, where his father was living. When I found this material I was horrified and I had no option but to report my dad,
Thomas Jr. told The Sun. I have supported, cared for him and helped him for years — but that stops now. I won’t speak to my father ever again unless I’m called to give evidence against him.
FBI and Philippine Task Force Launch Formal Probe
The FBI has confirmed receipt of Thomas Jr.’s affidavit and is preparing to launch a formal probe. A source close to the matter noted that an FBI agent already requested the contact details of the investigators leading the case in the Philippines. Concurrently, investigators from the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking appointed a specialist task force run by the Women and Children’s Protection Centre.
The investigation follows a period of severe health struggles for Thomas Sr., who underwent emergency surgery last year to have his leg amputated. Despite years of estrangement and a lack of direct communication since before Meghan Markle’s wedding to Prince Harry, her spokesperson confirmed that she reached out to him following his surgery.