Former UK Ambassador to US Arrested Following Epstein Files Revelations
Peter Mandelson, the former United Kingdom ambassador to the United States, has been arrested on suspicion of misconduct in a public office. This arrest is part of a broader investigation directly linked to the latest revelations emerging from the Jeffrey Epstein files. The 72-year-old former Labour minister was observed being escorted from his London residence in Camden by plain-clothed police officers and placed into a vehicle on Monday, February 23.
Police Confirm Arrest and Execute Search Warrants
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police officially confirmed the arrest, stating, “Officers have arrested a 72-year-old man on suspicion of misconduct in public office. He was arrested at an address in Camden on Monday, February 23 and has been taken to a London police station for interview. This follows search warrants at two addresses in the Wiltshire and Camden areas.”
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Hayley Sewart had earlier provided details, confirming that officers from the Met’s Central Specialist Crime team were executing search warrants at two properties—one in the Wiltshire area and another in Camden. These searches are connected to an ongoing investigation into misconduct in public office offences involving a 72-year-old man.
Allegations of Passing Sensitive Information to Epstein
The core allegations against Mandelson center on claims that he allegedly passed market-sensitive information to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein during his tenure as business secretary under former Prime Minister Gordon Brown. This activity is said to have occurred particularly around the period of the 2008 financial crisis. Police have reportedly launched a formal criminal investigation into these serious claims.
Supporting evidence from the Epstein files includes images released by the US Department of Justice showing Mandelson in his underwear at Epstein’s Paris residence, alongside a photograph of the two together on a yacht. Furthermore, records have reportedly revealed a series of payments from Epstein to Mandelson and his husband, Reinaldo Avila da Silva.
Political Fallout and Previous Admissions
Mandelson has not issued a public response to these latest allegations. However, in a previous interview with The Times, he admitted to a “lapse in judgment” regarding funds that Epstein sent to his husband for an osteopathy course.
The political repercussions have been significant. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who appointed Mandelson as ambassador to Washington in December 2024, has since distanced himself emphatically. Starmer stated that Mandelson “betrayed our country, our Parliament and my party,” adding, “He lied repeatedly to my team when asked about his relationship with Epstein before and during his tenure as ambassador. I regret appointing him. If I knew then what I know now, he would never have been anywhere near Government.”
Background and Ongoing Investigation
Peter Mandelson, a central figure in the New Labour era often nicknamed “the Prince of Darkness” for his considerable political influence, was removed from his diplomatic post in Washington last year due to his links to Epstein. The Metropolitan Police investigation into these matters remains actively ongoing, with further developments anticipated as the probe continues.
