The Metropolitan Police have launched a criminal investigation into allegations that former cabinet minister Peter Mandelson passed market-sensitive information to convicted paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein. The inquiry follows the release of court documents by the US Department of Justice, which reportedly show Mandelson sharing details of a mining investment vehicle with Epstein while serving as business secretary in 2010.
Commander Ella Marriott confirmed the investigation into a 72-year-old former government minister for misconduct in public office. She stated that the Met received reports including a referral from the UK Government, and will assess all relevant information without further comment at this stage.
Emails from the latest Epstein files suggest Mandelson contacted JP Morgan banker Jes Staley to lobby for underwriting a £700 million venture by his friend Nat Rothschild. Mandelson then shared the exchange with Epstein, who replied: 'You are sooooooooooooooo devious.' Mandelson has previously apologised for continuing his association with Epstein after the financier's 2008 conviction for child prostitution offences.
Separately, Thames Valley Police are reviewing fresh allegations that Prince Andrew was provided with a woman for sex at the Royal Lodge in 2010. The woman, then in her 20s, claims she spent the night at the Windsor residence and later toured Buckingham Palace. Police are assessing the information but no criminal investigation has been launched.
