Peter Mandelson referred to EU fraud investigators over Epstein links
Peter Mandelson has been referred to EU fraud investigators after allegedly leaking top secret documents to paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein, reports BritPanorama.
OLAF, the European anti-fraud office, has reportedly been asked to investigate the former US ambassador just days after his arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office. This occurs amid a probe relating to his alleged disclosure of sensitive government information.
The European Commission is examining whether Mandelson, who served as an EU trade commissioner from 2004 to 2008, revealed information regarding the €500 billion bailout intended to save the euro during the 2010 financial crisis.
A spokesperson for the European Commission affirmed that the referral to OLAF was made on 18 February, noting that it stems from the extensive documentation made publicly available. However, they clarified that this referral does not signify the initiation of an investigation, which will depend on an initial assessment of the evidence.
“OLAF fully respects the presumption of innocence and the rights of defence of the persons/entities concerned,” the spokesperson added.
Mandelson has consistently denied any wrongdoing and expressed regret over his association with Epstein, who passed away in 2019. He maintains that none of the emails released by the U.S. Department of Justice imply any misconduct on his part.
At the age of 72, Mandelson was taken into custody earlier this week over accusations of leaking sensitive information to Epstein as part of a broader investigation into misconduct in public office.
Documents linked to the Epstein Files suggest that during his tenure, Mandelson may have passed confidential government intel to the convicted sex offender. The police had descended upon Mandelson’s residence before transporting him in an unmarked vehicle for questioning.
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police confirmed that a 72-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office on 23 February and subsequently taken for questioning at a London police station after simultaneous search operations in both Wiltshire and Camden.
Scotland Yard indicated that the investigation into Mandelson is expected to be time-consuming.
This scandal poses significant challenges for Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, as discontent among MPs has surged following his decision to appoint Mandelson as US Ambassador last year. The contentious relationship between Mandelson and Epstein is shaping up to be one of the most severe political scandals in recent British history, potentially destabilising the government.
No. 10 has been compelled to release a substantial volume of correspondence involving Mandelson and various government officials concerning his appointment, with the first set of documents anticipated to be made public soon.
One document currently being scrutinised by police will not be released until a later date. Additionally, any documents with implications for national security or international relations will be reviewed by an independent parliamentary committee for necessary redactions.
The developments in this case not only highlight the ongoing intersections between political figures and controversial individuals but also raise critical questions about accountability and transparency in public office.
