EU Anti-Fraud Office Opens Investigation into Peter Mandelson
The European Commission has formally requested the European Anti-Fraud Office (Olaf) to investigate Peter Mandelson's activities during his time as EU trade commissioner between 2004 and 2008. This development follows the release of US Department of Justice documents that allegedly show Mandelson shared sensitive government information with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Commission Takes Action Following Document Release
A European Commission spokesperson confirmed on Thursday that the referral to Olaf occurred on February 18th, stating: "Whenever there is any indication of a possible breach of the obligations under the code of conduct, the commission assesses these possible breaches and takes action on that basis, if necessary. On this basis, and as new documents were published recently, we are looking into these and assessing whether there is any breach of the respective obligations."
The documents in question reportedly show that among the information Mandelson shared with Epstein were details of a €500 billion bailout package designed to save the euro in 2010. Mandelson, who later returned to UK government as business secretary, has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
Arrest and Bail Conditions
Mandelson was arrested on Monday over allegations of misconduct in public office during his friendship with Epstein. He was released on bail hours later but surrendered his passport after authorities expressed concerns about potential flight risks. His lawyers have described these concerns as "baseless" and maintain his innocence.
The Metropolitan Police has faced criticism for its handling of information related to the case. On Thursday, the force apologized to a second parliamentary speaker after erroneously naming him as the source of information that led to Mandelson's arrest. This follows a similar apology to House of Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle on Wednesday.
Wider Epstein Fallout Continues
The Epstein scandal continues to reverberate through British institutions. Defence Secretary John Healey has ordered a review of more than two decades of military records to determine whether Epstein or his associates booked RAF airfields for private flights.
A Ministry of Defence spokesperson stated: "The defence secretary has ordered a review of all records that the department may hold relating to Epstein flights landing at RAF bases to ensure that any information which relates to Epstein's crimes is uncovered and provided to the relevant authorities."
Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown has expressed particular concern about a private flight Epstein took on a Gulfstream jet that landed at a Norfolk airbase in December 2000, before a visit to Sandringham with Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.
Document Release Process Established
The Intelligence and Security Committee has confirmed that Keir Starmer will not have veto power over the release of documents relating to Mandelson's appointment as UK ambassador to the US, even if they prove damaging to the government. Mandelson was dismissed from this position in September after it emerged he maintained contact with Epstein following his conviction for sex offences.
Committee chair Lord Beamish stated: "Following this morning's meeting, officials have now confirmed in writing to the committee that the decision as to whether material referred to the committee is published is for the committee alone. The prime minister, or anyone else in government, will not be able to overrule the committee's decision to publish material that has been referred to it."
The committee has requested that documents relating to Mandelson's vetting and appointment be prioritized for release, with the first tranche expected in early March. A government spokesperson confirmed: "We are proceeding at pace to publish the first tranche of documents in early March. We are working closely with the committee and have made progress on a number of their requests."
An Olaf spokesperson confirmed the agency has been asked to investigate Mandelson's actions but could not confirm whether a formal investigation would proceed. According to the Financial Times, any European investigation is expected to be wide-ranging rather than focused on a single issue.
