US Congress Demands Mandelson Testify in Epstein Investigation
American politicians have issued a formal demand for Lord Peter Mandelson, the former British ambassador to the United States, to testify before Congress as part of an ongoing investigation into the paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein. The request comes amid a series of damaging revelations about Mandelson's associations and conduct.
Congressional Letter Highlights Close Ties to Epstein
Representatives Robert Garcia and Suhas Subramanyam have sent a letter to Lord Mandelson, formally requesting he appear for a transcribed interview to assist in uncovering the identities of Epstein's co-conspirators and enablers. The letter explicitly references Mandelson's description of Epstein as his 'best pal' in a handwritten note for Epstein's 50th Birthday Book in 2003, where he praised him as 'an intelligent, sharp-witted man'.
Furthermore, the politicians pointed to bank records obtained by the Committee, which show Epstein transferred substantial sums to Mandelson, including payments totalling more than $75,000 between 2003 and 2004. The letter states that Mandelson possessed extensive social and business ties to Epstein and holds critical information pertinent to the investigation.
Exclusive Revelations of 'Ghost Flights' on Russian Oligarch's Jet
Simultaneously, a Daily Mail investigation has exclusively revealed that Lord Mandelson took undisclosed 'ghost flights' on a private Gulfstream jet controlled by Russian aluminium billionaire Oleg Deripaska, a favourite tycoon of Kremlin strongman Vladimir Putin. These flights occurred in November 2004 when Mandelson was serving as the EU Trade Commissioner, transporting him to a crucial trade summit in The Hague where he met with Putin.
The European Union has confirmed that Mandelson failed to declare these flights as required. The journey involved trips from Brussels to Luton and then Luton to Rotterdam. A member of the flight crew described Mandelson as 'quite ratty' during the journey, apparently eager to arrive faster.
Broader Context of Kremlin Connections
Around this period, Mandelson maintained cosy relations with figures within Putin's inner circle. In 2005, he had a private, unofficial, and undeclared dinner with the Russian finance minister, arranged by Deripaska. He also travelled 2,000 miles to Siberia, staying at Deripaska's dacha and participating in a traditional Russian 'banya' or sauna.
Notably, the EU subsequently reduced aluminium tariffs, a move that greatly benefited Deripaska, who ascended to become one of the world's ten richest men. The European Commission has previously insisted there was 'no political interference' from Lord Mandelson in this decision.
Political Fallout and Criminal Investigations
These revelations cap a torrid fortnight for Lord Mandelson, whose links with Epstein have already sparked calls for Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to resign. Critics have questioned the Prime Minister's judgment in appointing Mandelson as US ambassador, a role considered the most prestigious in British diplomacy.
Last week, Scotland Yard launched a probe into allegations that Mandelson passed confidential British government information to financier Epstein. Officers conducted raids on his £12 million London house and rented farmhouse in Wiltshire, seizing evidence in cardboard boxes.
Reactions from Political Figures
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has demanded an investigation into the 'disturbing new revelations', emphasising the recklessness of appointing Mandelson to a vital security role amid questions over his dealings with Kremlin-linked oligarchs. She called for the Intelligence and Security Committee to receive all relevant material from Mandelson's tenure as EU Trade Commissioner.
Shadow home affairs minister Alicia Kearns criticised Mandelson, stating he 'stinks of a man who holds the British people in complete contempt'. She highlighted a pattern of behaviour involving Epstein, the Chinese Communist Party, and now Putin, suggesting Mandelson believed he could evade accountability for his actions.
Mandelson's Response and Ongoing Scrutiny
When confronted with the latest revelations by the Mail, Lord Mandelson claimed he could 'not recall' travel arrangements from so long ago but asserted they would have 'been made by his office at the Commission'. Former prime minister Gordon Brown has commented that Mandelson's email contacts with Epstein could potentially constitute a 'crime'.
The unfolding scandals continue to cast a long shadow over Mandelson's legacy, intertwining personal associations with high-stakes international diplomacy and raising serious questions about transparency and integrity in public office.
