Peter Mandelson referred to EU’s anti-fraud agency after release of Epstein files
Following the publication of the Epstein files, the European Commission asked the EU’s anti-fraud agency to launch an investigation into Lord Peter Mandelson’s time as trade commissioner in Brussels.
It came just days after his former Labor colleague was arrested in London on suspicion of abuse of public office following allegations he leaked sensitive government information to the pedophile financier.
This sparked an extraordinary row, with his lawyers claiming the former cabinet minister’s arrest followed an “unfounded suggestion that he was planning to leave the country”.
UK police are investigating Mandelson’s links to Jeffrey Epstein when he was business secretary in Gordon Brown’s government. Before that, he served as European Trade Commissioner between 2004 and 2008.
In the recently released Epstein files, Lord Mandelson appeared to approve a yet-to-be-announced €500 billion bailout of the euro. Documents show Epstein emailed Lord Mandleson: “Sources tell me the €500bn bailout is almost complete.”
Lord Mandelson replied: “It will be announced tonight.”
A spokesman for the Commission confirmed it had referred Lord Mandelson to the European Anti-Fraud Office (Olaf).
They said: “Where there is any indication of a possible breach of obligations under (the code of conduct), the commission assesses these possible breaches and, if necessary, takes action accordingly.
“On this basis, and because new documents have recently been published, we are reviewing them and assessing whether there has been a breach of the relevant obligations.
“Given the circumstances and the significant amount of documents made public, the European Commission also asked Olaf to review the matter on February 18. We are not in a position to comment further pending further evaluation.”
A spokesman for Olaf confirmed that an investigation into Lord Mandelson’s actions had been requested, but could not say whether an investigation would be launched.
Meanwhile, the government has confirmed that the Prime Minister cannot overrule parliament’s security watchdog if it wants to release documents relating to Lord Mandelson’s appointment as ambassador to Washington.
Parliament’s Intelligence and Security Committee (ISC) said officials had confirmed “in writing” after Thursday’s meeting that it would have the final say on which documents would be released.
Some of the thousands of documents are expected to be withheld for national security reasons, but it will be up to the ISC rather than ministers to determine this.
Lord Mandelson, who has denied any wrongdoing, has been reached for comment.
