British police arrested a 72-year-old man in north London on suspicion of misconduct in public office, related to his connections with Jeffrey Epstein. The man, identified as former U.K. ambassador Peter Mandelson, was taken for questioning by the London Metropolitan Police. The investigation focuses on allegations that Mandelson shared sensitive government information with Epstein over 15 years ago, not involving any sexual misconduct accusations.
This arrest follows the recent apprehension of former prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor in a separate case tied to Epstein, where he was released after 11 hours in police custody pending further investigation. Mandelson, who was dismissed from his diplomatic position in September, allegedly maintained a friendship with Epstein post-conviction in 2008 for sex offenses involving a minor, leading to the initiation of a criminal inquiry upon the release of U.S. Justice Department documents last month.
The documents revealed that Mandelson may have disclosed government information to Epstein in 2009, a period when Mandelson held a government role. The police also conducted searches at Mandelson’s residences in London and western England. The appointment of Mandelson had caused concerns for British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, with questions raised about his judgment due to Mandelson’s controversial past. Starmer, while admitting to an error in judgment and expressing apologies to Epstein’s victims, faces ongoing scrutiny, with his political future possibly hinging on the disclosure of files related to Mandelson’s appointment.
