Former UK ambassador to US released on bail after arrest in Epstein-linked probe

Police in Britain have released former ambassador Peter Mandelson on bail after arresting him in a misconduct investigation linked to his ties with the late convicted US child sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein.

A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said Tuesday, “A 72-year-old man arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office has been released on bail pending further investigation." While British police typically withhold names, the suspect had previously been identified as Mandelson, 72, the former UK ambassador to the United States. He was filmed being led from his London home by plainclothes officers.

Police are investigating claims that Mandelson passed sensitive government information to Epstein about 15 years ago. Messages released last month in more than three million pages of Epstein-related documents by the US Justice Department suggest that in 2009, while serving as a senior minister, Mandelson shared details of an internal government report on raising funds after the 2008 global financial crisis, including through the sale of state assets. The messages also indicate he told Epstein he would lobby colleagues to reduce a tax on bankers’ bonuses.

Authorities launched a criminal probe earlier this month and searched Mandelson’s homes in London and western England.

The January document release included further revelations about his ties to Epstein, whom he once described as “my best pal.” Mandelson was dismissed as ambassador to Washington in September by Prime Minister Keir Starmer after emails showed he maintained contact with Epstein following the latter’s 2008 conviction. He has since resigned from the House of Lords, but retains the title Lord Mandelson.

Mandelson, a key figure in Labour’s “New Labour” era under former prime minister Tony Blair and later a senior minister under ex-PM Gordon Brown, had previously resigned twice from government over allegations of financial or ethical impropriety, acknowledging mistakes, but denying wrongdoing.

His arrest came four days after former prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was detained on suspicion of misconduct in public office in a separate, but related case.

Thames Valley Police searched his Norfolk residence and the Royal Lodge in Great Windsor Park. Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright said, “Following a thorough assessment, we have now opened an investigation into this allegation of misconduct in public office.” He added, “We understand the significant public interest in this case, and we will provide updates at the appropriate time.”

Andrew was released after 11 hours in custody. The Epstein files included emails appearing to show him sharing reports of official visits to Hong Kong, Vietnam, and Singapore, as well as claims a woman was trafficked to the UK for a sexual encounter with him.

Misconduct in public office carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment, according to the Crown Prosecution Service.

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