Princess Latifa: 'Captive' Emirati urges UK police to reinvestigate sister’s ‘kidnap’ in Cambridge 20 years ago

Princess Latifa, who says she is being held against her will in a “villa jail” in Dubai by her father Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Credit: PA

Emirati princess Latifa Al Maktoum, who claims she is currently being held captive by her father, has urged Cambridgeshire Police to reinvestigate the disappearance of her older sister, Princess Shamsa 20 years ago.

Princess Latifa, who says she is imprisoned in a “villa jail” in Dubai by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum since her attempted to flee in 2018, believes Shamsa was also captured by her father.

Shamsa, now 38, was abducted from the streets of Cambridge on August 19 2000.

It is believed she was returned to the United Arab Emirates. She has never been seen in public since.

Shamsa, now 38, was abducted from the streets of Cambridge on August 19 2000 and has never been seen in public since Credit: PA

The original investigation found insufficient evidence to take any action.

Cambridgeshire Police have previously confirmed “aspects” of its 2001 investigation will be revisited, although the force insisted the investigation was no longer “active”.

Princess Latifa Credit: Tiina Jauhiainen/David Haigh/AP

In a letter from Latifa to the force, obtained by the BBC, she wrote: “All I ask of you is to please give attention on her case because it could get her her freedom… your help and attention on her case could free her.

“She has strong links to England… she really loves England, all of her fondest memories are of her time there.”

A Cambridgeshire Police spokesperson said: “The review into the disappearance of Princess Shamsa continues.

“This is a very complex and serious matter and as such there are details of the case that it would be inappropriate to discuss publicly.

“We can confirm officers have recently received a letter, dated February 2018, in relation to this case which will be looked at as part of the ongoing review.

“In addition to this, we are also looking at the contents of the recent BBC Panorama documentary to identify whether it includes anything of significance to our case.”

Boris Johnson’s official spokesperson said the issue is a matter for the police.

“The Prime Minister said last week Princess Latifa’s claims of being held against her will are obviously concerning,” the spokesperson said.

“But with regards to the abduction of Princess Shamza, that (investigation) was conducted by Cambridge Constabulary.”

Footage filmed by Latifa of her life in the “villa jail” was broadcast this month and was described by Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab as “very distressing”, and triggered worried responses around the globe.

But a family statement released through the UAE embassy in London downplayed allegations of mistreatment, and said she was being cared for at home.

It said: “She continues to improve and we are hopeful she will return to public life at the appropriate time.”