British police arrest former ambassador Mandelson over Epstein links

Former British ambassador to the US Peter Mandelson has been arrested Monday by London police on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The investigation concerns his contacts with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The inquiry was prompted by emails published by the US Department of Justice which, according to available information, indicate a closer relationship between the two men than previously known. Mandelson is alleged to have shared sensitive information with Epstein while serving in former Primeminister Gordon Brown’s government.

Police opened a criminal investigation after Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government provided investigators with communications between the former diplomat and Epstein.

Mandelson, who had previously lost his post as ambassador and resigned from the Labour Party this month, expressed regret over his contacts with Epstein but has not responded to the latest allegations. The scandal has also affected other senior figures – last week Prince Andrew was reportedly detained on the same suspicion.

(reuters, mja)