British police have opened a criminal probe into former ambassador Peter Mandelson over allegations he shared confidential government material with Jeffrey Epstein. Mandelson resigned from the House of Lords after documents released by the US Justice Department suggested he forwarded a briefing intended for the prime minister and received $75,000 in transfers linked to Epstein. The government has referred the matter to the Metropolitan Police, and the European Commission will review whether Mandelson breached its code of conduct.
Met Police Open Criminal Investigation Into Ex‑Ambassador Peter Mandelson Over Epstein Links
Peter Mandelson is a pivotal and often divisive figure in British politics once dubbed the "Prince of Darkness" (Carl Court)(Carl Court/POOL/AFP)
British police on Tuesday launched a criminal investigation into former UK ambassador to Washington Peter Mandelson amid allegations he passed confidential government information to the late US sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The probe came just hours after Mandelson, a veteran Labour politician and former EU trade commissioner, resigned from the House of Lords — a move that effectively ended his decades‑long political career.
What the Police Said
Commander Ella Marriott of the Metropolitan Police confirmed the force has "launched an investigation into a 72‑year‑old man, a former Government Minister, for misconduct in public office offences." The Met said it had received a referral from the UK government.
Allegations and Evidence
Documents released by the US Justice Department include emails between Epstein and prominent figures. The records suggest that in 2009, while serving as business secretary, Mandelson forwarded an economic briefing intended for then‑prime minister Gordon Brown to Epstein with the caption: "Interesting note that's gone to the PM."
Other exchanges show Epstein emailing Mandelson in May 2010 about the European Union's bailout of Greece; Epstein wrote that sources told him of a "500b euro bailout, almost complete," and Mandelson replied that it "should be announced tonight."
Financial records released with the documents appear to show Epstein transferred a total of $75,000 in three payments to accounts linked to Mandelson between 2003 and 2004. Mandelson told the BBC he had no recollection of those transfers and could not confirm the authenticity of all the released documents.
Political Fallout
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Mandelson had "let his country down" and described the alleged passing of sensitive government emails as "disgraceful," warning more information could emerge. Former prime minister Gordon Brown, who employed Mandelson as business secretary from 2008 to 2010, said he had written to the Met with "relevant" information.
The European Commission announced it will examine whether Mandelson, who served as EU trade commissioner from 2004 to 2008, breached its code of conduct.
Broader Context
The revelations form part of a wider fallout from Epstein's network, which implicated a number of high‑profile figures internationally. Documents and testimony linked to Epstein have previously affected British royals and US public figures; the broader investigation continues to prompt official reviews and parliamentary scrutiny.
Note: An ongoing police investigation means allegations reported here are subject to further evidence and legal processes.
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