EU anti-fraud office reviewing Mandelson amid Epstein scrutiny

The European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) has confirmed that it is examining matters relating to Peter Mandelson, former British ambassador to the United States and a former EU trade commissioner. The office stressed that it could not comment further and that such clarification does not automatically amount to the opening of a formal investigation.

Mandelson is under scrutiny over his past contacts with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. According to published documents, he informed Epstein in 2010 about a €500 billion rescue package intended to stabilise the euro.

The politician was briefly arrested by police in London on Tuesday on suspicion of misconduct in public office and was later released. His lawyers said the arrest was based on ‘unfounded allegations’ that he intended to leave the country and settle abroad, which they described as untrue.

British police opened a criminal investigation after the government of Prime Minister Keir Starmer released communications between Mandelson and Epstein. The Speaker of the House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, said he had forwarded information he considered relevant to the police.

Mandelson has previously said that he ‘deeply’ regretted his association with Epstein. His lawyers added that he would cooperate with the investigation and was determined to clear his name.

(reuters, max)