Jeffrey Epstein sent thousands of pounds to Peter Mandelson's husband, Reinaldo Avila da Silva, shortly after the convicted sex offender's release from prison in 2009, according to emails published by the US Department of Justice.
The documents, released on Friday, show that da Silva emailed Epstein on 7 September 2009, requesting funding for an osteopathy course and other expenses. Epstein responded that he would wire a loan, and Mandelson himself emailed Epstein to remind him to structure the payment as a loan to avoid gift tax filings.
Da Silva confirmed receipt of the money on 17 September 2009. Further emails from April 2010 indicate Epstein instructed his accountant to send $13,000 to da Silva, followed by monthly payments of $2,000.
The correspondence raises fresh questions about Epstein's relationship with Mandelson, who served as UK business secretary at the time and was sacked as ambassador to Washington in September after details of his support for Epstein emerged. Mandelson has apologised for his association with Epstein, stating he was wrong to believe him after his conviction.
