The European Union has mandated its anti-fraud office to investigate Peter Mandelson, the former British ambassador to the United States, in connection with his associations with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein during his tenure as the EU’s trade representative. The European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) serves as the EU’s oversight agency, focusing on issues such as financial fraud and rights violations within migration authorities and among lawmakers, among other matters of concern. It is worth noting that the office has not publicly confirmed the specifics of this investigation.
“Given the circumstances, and the significant amount of documents made available publicly, the European Commission also asked OLAF on 18 February to look into the matter,” a commission spokesperson who was not authorised to be publicly named said late Thursday.
Peter Mandelson, a prominent British political figure, is under investigation for alleged misconduct in public office linked to his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. This connection has raised concerns for Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who appointed Mandelson to a diplomatic role despite prior warnings.
Mandelson has been a key player in the Labour Party for decades, known for his political skill and referred to as the “Prince of Darkness.” He was instrumental in the party’s return to power in 1997 as “New Labour” under Tony Blair and served in senior roles until 2001, later returning under Gordon Brown from 2008 to 2010. He was also the EU’s trade commissioner from 2004 to 2008. Documents reviewed by the Associated Press indicate that Mandelson had contact with Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell during and after his time in Brussels.
“I love disgusting. That’s why I am wild and dangerous, and twice shy…” Mandelson wrote to Maxwell in a 2002 email.
“Pete, I have warned you about that before,” Maxwell replied. “Behave, or you will be punished like the bad boy you are.”
In 2003, he messaged Maxwell about family travel arrangements using the title “Member of Parliament for Hartlepool, House of Commons.”
Payment records suggest that Jeffrey Epstein provided $75,000 in financial support to Peter Mandelson or his husband, Reinaldo Avila da Silva, in 2003 and 2004. Mandelson has stated that he does not recall receiving these funds, questioned the validity of the bank statements, and asserted that the allegations are untrue.
Following his return to London from Brussels on 7 October 2008, Epstein advised Mandelson on how to frame the 2008 financial crisis as a potential opportunity. Additionally, in 2009, Epstein extended an invitation to host Mandelson at a New York apartment, approximately five months before their email discussions about strategies to influence then-British Prime Minister Gordon Brown on his potential resignation.
Potential confidential information disclosed
Peter Mandelson allegedly shared sensitive government information with Jeffrey Epstein, whom he described as his “best pal,” during his time as a senior minister in the British government in 2009. The EU is investigating Mandelson for potentially providing privileged information.
In 2010, Mandelson informed Epstein about a substantial half-trillion-euro bailout for the euro, stating it would be announced on 9 May—one day before its public release. This could be seen as insider trading.
European commissioners must adhere to ethical obligations during and after their tenure, and breaches can lead to investigations by OLAF. Mandelson was released after over nine hours of questioning and has denied any wrongdoing. His lawyers claimed his arrest stemmed from a “baseless suggestion” that he planned to flee the country.
This article used information from The Associated Press.
