Peter Mandelson Faces Probe Over Epstein Ties
A criminal investigation is expected to be launched into Peter Mandelson's relationship with the disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. The probe will reportedly scrutinize the nature of their ties for any potential wrongdoing.
- The criminal probe centers on allegations of misconduct in a public office, specifically that Mandelson may have shared market-sensitive government information with Epstein while serving as a cabinet minister. This includes allegedly passing on an internal government report about the 2008 financial crisis and tipping Epstein off about a multi-billion euro bailout in 2010. - The friendship between Mandelson and Epstein spanned from at least 2002 to 2011, continuing after Epstein's 2008 conviction for soliciting a minor. Their association was reportedly initiated by Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein's partner. - Newly released documents include emails where Mandelson expressed strong support for Epstein following his 2008 conviction, telling him "your friends stay with you and love you" and advising him to "fight for early release". In a 2003 birthday message, Mandelson referred to Epstein as his "best pal". - Financial records suggest that between 2003 and 2004, Epstein sent payments totaling $75,000 to accounts linked to Mandelson or his partner, Reinaldo Avila da Silva. Additionally, between 2009 and 2010, da Silva was allegedly put on a monthly stipend of $4,000 by Epstein. - Prior to this investigation, the revelations led to significant political fallout. In September 2025, Keir Starmer dismissed Mandelson from his post as the British Ambassador to the United States. Subsequently, in February 2026, Mandelson resigned from the House of Lords. - When initially questioned about the relationship by the Financial Times in February 2025, Mandelson responded with hostility, stating, "I regret ever meeting him... It's an FT obsession and frankly you can all fuck off." - This investigation is part of a wider UK police effort to examine allegations related to Epstein's activities in Britain. A national committee has been formed to coordinate operations across multiple police forces, with a senior policing source expecting a "tsunami" of claims. - The Metropolitan Police have searched two properties linked to Mandelson as part of their ongoing investigation. No arrests have been made.
