EU probes Mandelson’s Epstein ties while trade rep

The European Union has ordered its anti-fraud office to investigate Peter Mandelson, Britain’s former ambassador to the United States, for his ties to Jeffrey Epstein while serving as Brussels’ trade representative.

“Given the circumstances and the significant amount of documents made public, the European Commission asked OLAF to examine the matter on February 18,” a commission spokesman, who was not authorized to be named publicly, said in a statement late Thursday. he said.

The European Anti-Fraud Office, known by its French acronym OLAF, is the EU’s watchdog agency that battles immigration officials and lawmakers over financial fraud and rights abuses, among other abuses. His office has not confirmed the investigation.

Mandelson, an influential British figure, is under investigation for alleged misconduct in public office in connection with his relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Mandelson’s ties to Epstein threatened the leadership of Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who appointed the senior statesman to diplomatic duty despite warnings about his friendship with the disgraced financier.

Before Brexit took Britain out of the EU, Mandelson served as the bloc’s trade commissioner from November 2004 to October 2008.

He was in contact with Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell before, during and after that time, according to documents analyzed by the AP.

All European commissioners are obliged to comply with ethical obligations and official codes of conduct.

Suspected breaches of these obligations may lead to investigations.