British police investigating allegations that Prince Andrew and Peter Mandelson passed sensitive information to Jeffrey Epstein are preparing to interview witnesses in royal and government circles. However, prosecutors may be reluctant to bring charges unless the Trump administration hands over unredacted documents from the Epstein files.
Thames Valley Police is investigating Prince Andrew for misconduct in public office over claims he passed sensitive material to Epstein while serving as a UK trade envoy. The Metropolitan Police is investigating Mandelson for similar alleged misconduct while a cabinet minister. Both men have been arrested and released and deny wrongdoing.
The US Department of Justice has published redacted Epstein documents but told British police it will not consider handing over originals without a formal mutual legal assistance request. Informal efforts, including by Met Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley, have failed. The Met has now sent a formal request for the original, unredacted documents.
Sources say it is difficult to make charges stick without the original documents. Formal witness interviews are expected to start shortly, including with former Prime Minister Gordon Brown, who has written to the Met about his concerns regarding Mandelson.
A national gold group hosted by the National Police Chiefs Council is coordinating investigations. Six police forces are also considering whether Epstein-linked flights to UK airports merit criminal investigation over potential trafficking. Separately, the European anti-fraud office OLAF has confirmed it is investigating Mandelson over his time as EU trade commissioner.
