Mandelson Under Investigation: EU and UK Authorities Scrutinize Links to Epstein

Peter Mandelson is currently embroiled in a serious inquiry instigated by the European Union's anti-fraud agency, following revelations from the European Commission regarding his conduct during his tenure as trade commissioner in Brussels. The Commission referred Mandelson, aged 72, to the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) last week after the US Department of Justice disseminated documents implying that he shared sensitive governmental information with the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Mandelson held the position of EU Trade Commissioner from 2004 to 2008 before returning to the UK government as Business Secretary. The documents in question suggest he provided Epstein with critical information, including the particulars of a significant €500 billion bailout aimed at stabilizing the euro in 2010. Mandelson has vehemently denied any wrongdoing. He was arrested on Monday under allegations of misconduct in public office linked to his friendship with Epstein but was released on bail after a few hours. Following his release, it is reported that he surrendered his passport amid claims—described by his legal team as unfounded—that he intended to flee the country. The scandal surrounding Epstein continues to shake the foundations of the British establishment. On Thursday, UK Defence Secretary John Healey ordered a comprehensive review of military records over the past two decades to uncover any evidence indicating Epstein or his associates booked Royal Air Force (RAF) airfields. A spokesperson from the Ministry of Defence stated: "The Defence Secretary has directed a review of all records that the department may hold concerning Epstein flights landing at RAF bases to ensure that any relevant information related to Epstein's crimes is revealed and shared with the appropriate authorities." Former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown recently expressed concerns suggesting that the British state might have unwittingly facilitated Epstein's illicit activities by allowing his private jet access to military bases, occasionally with unidentified women on board. Of particular concern is a private flight Epstein made on a Gulfstream jet, which landed at a Norfolk airbase in December 2000, preceding a visit to Sandringham with Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, who was arrested last week on suspicion of misconduct in public office after emails surfaced indicating he may have shared confidential information with Epstein while serving as the UK Trade Envoy. The European Commission commented on the unfolding situation, stating, "Whenever there is any indication of a possible breach of the obligations under the code of conduct, the Commission assesses these potential breaches and acts appropriately if necessary. Given new public documents, we are currently evaluating these for any violations." A representative from OLAF confirmed they will investigate Mandelson's actions, but details about whether an official investigation will take place remain unclear. Reports suggest that the European inquiry will be extensive and not solely concentrated on one specific issue. Mandelson's legal representatives did not respond immediately to requests for comment. In a separate but related incident, the Metropolitan Police issued an apology to the Lord Speaker Michael Forsyth after he was wrongly identified in reports as the individual who relayed information to police about Mandelson's potential to flee. The actual informant was Sir Lindsay Hoyle, the Speaker of the House of Commons, who notified them during his recent holiday in the British Virgin Islands. Similar apologies were extended to various parliamentary leaders after the inadvertent disclosure of sensitive information regarding Mandelson’s arrest. Mandelson's legal team has dismissed the claims suggesting he is a flight risk as baseless. Furthermore, on Thursday, the Intelligence and Security Committee confirmed that Labour leader Keir Starmer will not have the authority to veto the release of documents connected to Mandelson's appointment as the UK ambassador, even if those documents could be damaging to the government. Mandelson was relieved of his ambassadorial duties in September upon revelations of his ongoing interactions with Epstein following Epstein's conviction for sex crimes. MPs previously voted for this committee to supervise the when and how of releasing these documents. The Guardian reports that the first wave of disclosed materials is expected in the coming weeks. Following consultations with Cabinet Office officials, the committee confirmed that the government has established a framework for the publication of files without compromising ongoing police investigations. Lord Beamish, chair of the ISC, remarked that the committee will retain the final say on released documents to ensure they do not jeopardize national security or diplomatic relations, emphasizing that the government would not have the power to intervene to protect itself from potential embarrassment arising from published materials. "Officials have confirmed that decisions regarding the publication of documents referred to the ISC are solely at our discretion," he noted. The Prime Minister and other government members will not have the ability to overrule such decisions, a step intended to promote transparency and accountability in the face of potential misconduct connected to high-profile figures like Mandelson. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2