Brussels orders probe of Mandelson’s Epstein ties while EU trade rep

Peter Mandelson, the former British ambassador to the United States, was arrested after being fired months earlier due to his ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Mandelson's association with Epstein was known prior to his appointment, but newly released emails and documents revealed a closer relationship than previously acknowledged. These documents suggested that Mandelson may have provided confidential information to Epstein while in government. This led to a criminal investigation by British police into possible misconduct in public office. Mandelson, a long-time political strategist, resigned from the Labour Party and has not publicly commented since, but previously denied any wrongdoing.

The UK government is considering releasing documents related to Prince Andrew's time as a trade envoy (2001-2011) amid the ongoing Jeffrey Epstein scandal. This follows the release of US files that have implicated British figures and increased pressure on the UK government to release its own vetting documents. The Liberal Democrats party has introduced a parliamentary motion to compel the release of these documents, citing Andrew's association with Epstein as a "stain" on the country. The move comes as both Andrew and former government minister Peter Mandelson have faced recent police scrutiny in connection to the Epstein case. The aim of releasing the files is reportedly to address the scandal and its impact on the UK's reputation.

Former UK ambassador and Labour party figure Peter Mandelson was arrested in London on Monday, February 23, 2026, on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The arrest is linked to his relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, with newly released emails revealing a closer connection than previously known. The Metropolitan Police confirmed the arrest of a 72-year-old man, though they did not directly name Mandelson. Mandelson, who had already resigned from his positions within the Labour Party and parliament earlier in the month due to the Epstein revelations, is currently being questioned by authorities. The investigation stems from concerns that Mandelson may have shared information with Epstein during his time as a government minister.

Former British ambassador to the U.S., Peter Mandelson, was arrested in London on Monday on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The arrest follows allegations that Mandelson, 72, provided confidential government information to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. London's Metropolitan Police confirmed the arrest of a 72-year-old man, though they did not initially name Mandelson. The investigation began earlier in February after the release of documents from the Epstein files, which revealed the extent of Mandelson's relationship with Epstein. The documents suggest that Mandelson, while a senior cabinet minister in 2009, shared potentially confidential information. Mandelson was previously fired from his diplomatic post in Washington in September due to his friendship with Epstein.

British police arrested Peter Mandelson, a former UK ambassador to the United States, on Monday in London. The arrest is part of a misconduct probe related to Mandelson's ties with Jeffrey Epstein. He is suspected of improperly passing UK government information to Epstein. The investigation follows the release of over 3 million pages of Epstein-related documents by the U.S. Justice Department. Mandelson, 72, was taken to a police station for questioning and can be held for up to 96 hours under UK law.

Newly released bank statements from the US Department of Justice suggest Jeffrey Epstein made $75,000 in payments to accounts linked to Lord Mandelson between 2003 and 2004. The payments, referencing Lord Mandelson, were sent from Epstein's JP Morgan accounts to Barclays and HSBC accounts, with Mandelson named as a beneficiary in some instances. Lord Mandelson stated he has no record or recollection of receiving the funds and questions the documents' authenticity. The released files also include a redacted image of Lord Mandelson with a woman, the circumstances of which he cannot recall. He reiterated his regret for his association with Epstein and apologized to Epstein's victims. The payments were first reported by the Financial Times.

Newly released emails reveal a closer relationship between Peter Mandelson, a prominent UK politician, and Jeffrey Epstein than previously admitted. The emails, dating back to 2010 and earlier, show Mandelson seeking Epstein's advice on personal and professional matters, including a potential privacy breach, financial decisions, and career moves after Labour's election loss. The correspondence suggests frequent and intimate contact, blurring personal and professional boundaries. The revelations have led to Mandelson's resignation from the Labour party and calls for a police investigation. These developments follow Mandelson's withdrawal as US ambassador due to renewed scrutiny of his ties to Epstein.

In February 2026, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer agreed to reveal the vetting process behind Peter Mandelson's appointment as ambassador to the US in December 2024. This decision followed the release of new Jeffrey Epstein files revealing the extent of Mandelson's relationship with the disgraced financier, even after Epstein's 2008 conviction. The files suggest Mandelson may have received payments from Epstein and shared market-sensitive information. Starmer apologized for appointing Mandelson, admitting he was unaware of the depth of the relationship despite knowing of their connection. UK media reports indicate the government suspects Mandelson of illegally sharing information with Epstein approximately 15 years prior. Mandelson, a former Labour politician and member of the House of Lords, resigned following the file release.

In February 2026, UK police announced a review of misconduct allegations against former UK minister Peter Mandelson. This followed the release of US investigative files revealing that Mandelson, while serving as a minister, shared confidential government information with Jeffrey Epstein. The leaked information included details about asset sales, tax changes, and the Eurozone bailout plan. The Metropolitan Police initiated the review after receiving multiple reports related to alleged misconduct in public office. The investigation aims to determine if the allegations meet the criminal threshold for a formal investigation. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has suggested Mandelson should no longer hold his seat in the upper house of parliament.

The Metropolitan Police in London have launched a criminal investigation into Peter Mandelson, a former British ambassador to the U.S., for potential "misconduct in public office offenses" related to his dealings with Jeffrey Epstein. The investigation was announced the same day Mandelson resigned from the House of Lords. The probe stems from revelations in the Epstein files, which suggest Mandelson may have shared confidential government information with Epstein while serving as business secretary in 2009. Documents indicate he forwarded a confidential document intended for the prime minister to Epstein and advised Epstein on influencing British policy regarding a tax on bankers' bonuses. Mandelson was previously fired from his ambassadorial role in 2025 when his ties to Epstein became apparent.

The Metropolitan Police have launched a criminal investigation into Peter Mandelson, a former government minister, for alleged misconduct in public office. The investigation stems from recently released Epstein files that suggest Mandelson leaked confidential Downing Street emails and market-sensitive information to Jeffrey Epstein after the 2008 financial crash. The investigation was prompted by reports and a referral from the UK government following the release of millions of court documents related to Epstein. Detectives are expected to interview Mandelson, request access to his devices, and take witness statements from senior Labour figures, including Gordon Brown. Mandelson has resigned from the House of Lords amid the allegations, and the Prime Minister's office has stated that he "let his country down."