Epstein Files Uncover £10,000 Payment to Mandelson's Partner
Freshly disclosed correspondence from the United States Department of Justice has revealed a significant financial transaction involving the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and the spouse of a prominent British political figure. The emails, made public today, appear to document a £10,000 transfer from Epstein to Reinaldo Avila da Silva in September 2009.
Details of the Financial Request and Transfer
The communications indicate that da Silva contacted Epstein to request funds specifically intended to cover the costs associated with an osteopathy course alongside other related expenses. In a remarkably swift response, Epstein replied on the very same day, stating, 'I will wire your loan amount immediated'y [sic]'. Several days following this exchange, da Silva reportedly sent a follow-up email expressing gratitude, confirming 'thank you for the money which arrived in my account this morning'.
At the time this alleged financial assistance was provided, Lord Peter Mandelson held the influential position of Business Secretary within Gordon Brown's government, effectively serving as the de facto deputy prime minister. It is noteworthy that Epstein was incarcerated from 2008 until July 2009 after pleading guilty to charges of soliciting prostitution, making this transaction occur shortly after his release.
Mandelson's Evolving Stance and Political Fallout
Lord Mandelson, who entered into marriage with da Silva in 2023 following a three-decade relationship, has faced considerable scrutiny over his connections to Epstein. Last month, the Labour peer issued a comprehensive apology to Epstein's victims, marking a shift from his previous defensive posture. This grovelling statement emerged after intense criticism of an earlier interview where he initially refused to apologise for his own conduct.
During that controversial BBC Newsnight appearance, Mandelson made the extraordinary assertion that Epstein's depraved activities had been concealed from him due to his sexual orientation, claiming he was 'kept separate' because he is gay. He admitted to BBC Newsnight, 'I was wrong to believe him following his conviction and to continue my association with him afterwards. I apologise unequivocally for doing so to the women and girls who suffered.'
Political Repercussions and Email Revelations
The political consequences have been substantial. Lord Mandelson was dismissed from his role as US ambassador last September following revelations about the depth of his relationship with Epstein. Additional emails demonstrated that the pair maintained contact after Epstein's initial 2008 conviction for soliciting girls as young as 14 for prostitution, with Mandelson reportedly sending messages of support and advice.
In his first television interview since the ambassadorial dismissal, Mandelson told BBC One's Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg that he would not apologise for sustaining the friendship, insisting he would only do so if he were 'in any way complicit or culpable'. He extended an apology solely for the 'system that refused to hear their voices', not for his personal actions.
Leadership Response and Ongoing Controversy
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who originally appointed Lord Mandelson as US ambassador before subsequently dismissing him, commented that the emails demonstrated 'the depth and extent' of Mandelson's relationship with Epstein was 'materially different from that known at the time of his appointment'. Starmer had previously defended Mandelson until these communications surfaced.
When questioned about whether he deserved dismissal by Sir Keir, Lord Mandelson responded, 'I understand why I was sacked. I understand why he took the decision he did. But one thing I'm very clear about is I'm not going to seek to reopen or relitigate this issue. I'm moving on.'
Further email evidence indicates that Lord Mandelson advised Epstein to 'fight for early release' shortly before Epstein received an 18-month prison sentence. He is also reported to have told Epstein 'I think the world of you' the day before the disgraced financier commenced his jail term. The Daily Mail has contacted representatives for Peter Mandelson seeking comment on these latest revelations.
