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Thomas Markle is reportedly being investigated on serious claims.

The 82-year-old estranged father of Meghan Markle was found to be in possession of of illicit material, People reports via The Sun.

Why is Thomas Markle being investigated?

Meghan‘s brother, Thomas Markle Jr, reportedly found four large boxes containing “hundreds, if not thousands” of child pornographic images at Thomas Sr‘s home in Cebu, Philippines, leading to an investigation of possession of child pornography.

The report also says Thomas Jr allegedly found videos of young girls engaging in sexual acts, and a 15-minute video of naked girls on his father’s old cellphone. Thomas Jr has also claimed he found images of naked girls with one appearing to be at Thomas Sr‘s former home in Rosarito, Mexico.

Thomas Jr says he reported his father to the “cops” and also allegedly “reported his discovery to the FBI hotline, the US-based National Centre for Exploited and Missing Children and the state police in Pennsylvania where his father was living,” on July 10th.

“When I found this material I was horrified and I had no option but to report my dad,” Thomas Jr shared with The Sun.

“I have supported, cared for him and helped him for years — but that stops now,” he continued. “I won’t speak to my father ever again unless I’m called to give evidence against him.”

“What I saw made me sick to the stomach — all this stuff was just dumped on me and I didn’t know what to do,” Thomas Jr said. “I knew right away it was highly illegal and would land me in jail for a long time if I didn’t get rid of it. I felt betrayed, angry and disgusted — and realised I had to report him.”

Thomas Jr has been caring for his father in the Philippines amid his ongoing health issues.

The Sun reports that the FBI has “confirmed receipt” of Thomas Jr‘s affadivit and are “set to launch their own probe.” A source says, “An FBI agent has already requested the contact details of investigators leading the case in the Philippines.”

The publication also reports, “Investigators from the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking on Thursday appointed a task force run by the specialist Women and Children’s Protection Centre.”

Last year, Thomas Sr underwent emergency surgery to have his leg amputated. Despite years of not talking and estrangement, Meghan Markle‘s spokesperson confirmed she did reach out to him after his surgery.

A few years earlier, Thomas Sr said he hadn’t spoken to Meghan since before her wedding to Prince Harry.

Posted To:Legal Meghan Markle Thomas Markle