EU Fraud Probe Looms for Mandelson After Epstein Files Emerge
The European Commission has formally requested its anti-fraud agency, Olaf, to open a comprehensive inquiry into Lord Peter Mandelson's tenure as trade commissioner in Brussels from 2004 to 2008. This significant development follows the recent release of the Epstein files, which have sparked widespread scrutiny and legal actions.
Arrest and Police Investigations
This request comes just days after the former Labour peer was arrested in London on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The allegations are linked to claims that he leaked sensitive government information to the financier Jeffrey Epstein. UK police are concurrently investigating Lord Mandelson's contacts with Epstein during his time as Business Secretary in Gordon Brown's government, adding another layer to the ongoing probes.
Epstein Files Revelation
The recently unsealed Epstein files include an email exchange where Lord Mandelson appeared to confirm a yet-to-be-announced €500 billion Euro bailout to Epstein. This correspondence has raised serious questions about potential breaches of protocol and confidentiality during his official duties.
Parliamentary Oversight
In a separate but related matter, the government has confirmed that Parliament's Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC) will have the final say on publishing documents related to Lord Mandelson's appointment as ambassador to Washington. This decision underscores the high-stakes nature of the allegations and the need for transparency in governmental processes.
Throughout these developments, Lord Mandelson has consistently denied any wrongdoing, maintaining his innocence amid the mounting investigations and public scrutiny.
