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Former employees at paedophile Jeffrey Epstein's secretive "baby-making" ranch have been questioned about visits by Andrew Mountbatten Windsor as part of an expanding criminal investigation. More than a dozen ex-members of staff from Zorro Ranch, amongst them housekeepers, ranch hands and long-serving managers, are being interviewed by investigators working on behalf of the state's Department of Justice. They have been asked to reveal who stayed at the sprawling New Mexico estate and what they witnessed during their time there.

Sources indicate that the former Duke's visits were amongst the central lines of enquiry. One justice source said: "They're going back through everything. Anyone who worked there is being spoken to. They want a full picture of what went on. Led by Raúl Torrez, the Attorney General of New Mexico, the investigation is a criminal probe in which detectives are examining a wide range of Epstein's visitors, including Prince Andrew. They have vowed to follow any evidence wherever it leads."

Led by Raúl Torrez, the Attorney General of New Mexico, the investigation is a criminal probe in which detectives are scrutinising a broad range of Epstein's visitors, including Prince Andrew. Authorities have pledged to pursue any evidence wherever it may lead, reports the Mirror.

"The staff have been asked about guests to the property. It includes the former prince who stayed at the ranch. Detectives are trying to build up a picture of what he, Epstein and others did while at Zorro."

According to former members of staff and Epstein victim Virginia Giuffre, who passed away last year, Andrew, 66, visited Zorro on a number of occasions. The former prince is alleged to have developed a close relationship with a glamorous neurosurgeon during his time at the property, who is also being sought for questioning by investigators. Zorro Ranch, an expansive 10,000-acre estate located outside Santa Fe, has remained cloaked in mystery for years. The property was amongst Epstein's most isolated residences, situated far from the public eye and seldom captured on camera. For years, it has been the subject of intense speculation regarding the activities that occurred within its boundaries.

Former members of staff have revealed they have been approached and requested to provide comprehensive accounts of their experiences at the ranch. Some have faced questioning about the day-to-day running of the property.

Others have been probed about prominent visitors and unusual activity. One former member of staff said: "They're asking about everything, particularly (former) Prince Andrew and the other high-profile guests. Who stayed, how long they were there, what they were doing. It's very detailed. Nothing's being brushed over."

Individuals questioned far have additionally been cautioned against destroying any material relating to their employment there. The former ranch hand added: "We've all been told the same thing: don't delete anything, don't throw anything away. They want every single detail from our time there."

The directive indicates that investigators suspect crucial evidence may remain in existence years following Epstein's death in 2019. This week, the bipartisan investigatory subcommittee in New Mexico examining Epstein's activities appointed a specialist law firm to assist its criminal investigation, which was launched in February. The panel confirmed the appointment of Fadduol, Cluff, Hardy and Conaway, P.C. as special counsel. The firm will assist in gathering evidence, offering legal guidance and working closely with the state's Department of Justice as the investigation moves forward.

While most focus has previously been directed towards Epstein's properties in New York, Palm Beach and the Caribbean, Zorro Ranch has remained a crucial element of abuse allegations.

Staff interviewed include those who worked within the main residence as well as those tasked with maintaining the extensive grounds. Ranch hands, cleaners, administrative personnel and senior managers have all been contacted.

"They're casting the net wide," the justice source added. "It's not just one or two people. It's anyone who might have seen something or remembered something important."

Among the areas under scrutiny are guest lists, movements on and off the property, and who had access to various parts of the estate. Zorro Ranch has also been connected to deeply disturbing claims regarding Epstein's long-term plans for the site.

Reports have previously indicated he discussed proposals to transform the remote compound into a so-called "baby-making" facility, where women would be brought to bear children carrying his DNA.

Sources say investigators are also enquiring about Brit Clare Iveagh, a frequent visitor to Zorro who subsequently married into the Guinness brewing dynasty. Lady Guinness died in December. Her links to Epstein's broader network now form part of the inquiry, as officials attempt to establish connections relating to the ranch. It is not suggested that those being questioned have committed any offence. They are being regarded as potential witnesses rather than suspects.

However, the scale of the investigation is substantial. Epstein, who died while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges, maintained a vast network of associates spanning the worlds of business, politics and royalty. His properties, including Zorro Ranch, were utilised to accommodate guests over many years.

The former Duke of York has consistently denied any wrongdoing. He has stated he has no recollection of meeting Giuffre, who accused him of sexual abuse in a civil case in the United States. That case was subsequently settled without any admission of liability.

Express.co.uk has approached the New Mexico Attorney General's office for comment.