EU Anti-Fraud Agency Investigates Former Trade Commissioner
The European Commission has formally requested the European Anti-Fraud Office (Olaf) to investigate former EU trade commissioner Peter Mandelson following the release of US Department of Justice documents alleging he shared sensitive government information with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Commission Refers Mandelson to Olaf
A European Commission spokesperson confirmed on Thursday that the body had referred Lord Mandelson to Olaf on February 18th after new documents became publicly available. "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," the spokesperson stated.
The documents allegedly show that Mandelson, who served as EU trade commissioner between 2004 and 2008 before returning to the UK government as business secretary, shared confidential information with Epstein. Among the sensitive details reportedly shared was information about a €500 billion bailout package designed to save the euro in 2010.
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 police claims - described by his lawyers as "baseless" - that he was planning to flee the country. The former commissioner has denied any wrongdoing.
The Metropolitan Police has apologized to two parliamentary speakers after erroneously revealing information about who alerted authorities to Mandelson's potential flight risk. Initially, Lord Speaker Michael Forsyth was named in reports as having warned police, but Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle later confirmed it was him who had informed authorities while on holiday in the British Virgin Islands.
Wider Epstein Fallout Continues
The Epstein scandal continues to reverberate through British institutions, with Defence Secretary John Healey ordering a review of more than two decades of military records for any evidence of Epstein or his associates booking RAF airfields. A Ministry of Defence spokesperson confirmed: "The defence secretary has ordered a review of all records that the department may hold relating to Epstein flights landing at RAF bases."
Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown warned last week that the British state may have facilitated Epstein's crimes by allowing his private jet to land at military bases, sometimes with unknown women aboard. Particular concern has been raised about a private Gulfstream jet flight that landed at a Norfolk airbase in December 2000 before a visit to Sandringham with Prince Andrew.
Investigation Scope and Government Documents
According to the Financial Times, the European investigation is expected to be wide-ranging rather than focused on any particular issue. An Olaf spokesperson confirmed the agency had been asked to look into Mandelson's actions but could not confirm whether a formal investigation would be launched.
Meanwhile, the Intelligence and Security Committee 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. 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 ISC is published is for the committee alone."
The ISC has requested that papers 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 ISC and have made progress on a number of their requests."
Mandelson was dismissed as British ambassador to the United States in September after it emerged he had maintained contact with Epstein following the financier's conviction for sex offenses.
