The European Union has formally directed its anti-fraud agency to examine the conduct of Peter Mandelson, the former British ambassador to the United States, regarding his associations with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein during his tenure as Brussels’ trade representative.
A European Commission spokesperson disclosed on Thursday that the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) received official instructions on February 18 to initiate a comprehensive review of the matter, citing substantial publicly available documentation. OLAF, the EU’s primary watchdog organization renowned for investigating financial misconduct and rights violations within migration authorities and legislative bodies, has not officially confirmed the inquiry.
Mandelson, a influential British political figure currently under scrutiny for alleged public office misconduct connected to his Epstein relationship, faces potential consequences that extend to Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s leadership. Starmer appointed the veteran statesman to the diplomatic position despite prior warnings concerning his friendship with the disgraced financier.
With decades of political influence within Britain’s center-left Labour Party, Mandelson earned the moniker ‘Prince of Darkness’ for his strategic acumen and political ruthlessness. He played pivotal roles in both Tony Blair’s and Gordon Brown’s administrations while simultaneously serving as EU trade commissioner from 2004 to 2008.
Documentary evidence reveals Mandelson maintained communication with Epstein and accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell before, during, and after his Brussels assignment. Their correspondence included suggestive messages, with Maxwell employing disciplinary language toward Mandelson in 2002 exchanges. Financial records indicate Epstein potentially transferred $75,000 to Mandelson or his spouse between 2003-2004, though Mandelson disputes recollection of these transactions and questions document authenticity.
The investigation may concentrate on Mandelson’s alleged sharing of privileged governmental information with Epstein, whom he referred to as his ‘best pal.’ Particularly concerning is evidence suggesting Mandelson alerted Epstein about the EU’s massive €500 billion eurozone bailout package in May 2010, a full day before official public disclosure—information that could facilitate insider trading.
European commissioners remain bound by ethical obligations and official conduct codes during and after their service periods. Suspected violations of these standards can trigger OLAF investigations. Mandelson, recently released after nine hours of police questioning, maintains his innocence and has not been formally charged, though investigations continue.