The European Commission has formally requested the European Union's anti-fraud agency to launch an inquiry into Lord Peter Mandelson's tenure as trade commissioner in Brussels, a move triggered by the recent publication of the Epstein files. This development follows the former Labour peer's arrest in London on suspicion of misconduct in public office, with allegations that he leaked sensitive government information to the convicted paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein.
Commission Refers Mandelson to Olaf
A spokesperson for the European Commission confirmed that Lord Mandelson has been referred to the European Anti-Fraud Office, known as Olaf. The commission stated it is assessing potential breaches of conduct obligations in light of newly released documents. "Whenever there is any indication of a possible breach of the obligations under the code of conduct, the commission assesses these possible breaches and takes action on that basis, if necessary," the spokesperson explained.
"On this basis, and as new documents were published recently, we are looking into these and assessing whether there is any breach of the respective obligations. Given the circumstances, and the significant amount of documents made available publicly, the European Commission also asked Olaf on February 18 to look into the matter. Pending the ongoing assessment, we are not in a position to comment further."
UK Police Investigation and Arrest
This EU action comes just days after Lord Mandelson was arrested in London. Police in the United Kingdom are investigating his contacts with Jeffrey Epstein during his time as business secretary in Gordon Brown's government. Before that role, he served as European Commissioner for Trade between 2004 and 2008. His lawyers have claimed the arrest followed a "baseless suggestion that he was planning to leave the country," sparking an extraordinary political row.
An Olaf spokesperson confirmed the agency has been asked to examine Lord Mandelson's actions but could not confirm whether a full investigation will proceed. Lord Mandelson, who has consistently denied any wrongdoing, has been approached for comment regarding these latest developments.
Parliamentary Security Watchdog's Role
Meanwhile, the government has clarified that the Prime Minister cannot overrule Parliament's security watchdog regarding the publication of documents related to Lord Mandelson's appointment as ambassador to Washington. Parliament's Intelligence and Security Committee stated that officials confirmed "in writing" that it would have final authority on which papers are released following a Thursday meeting.
While some of the thousands of documents are expected to be withheld for national security reasons, the ISC—rather than government ministers—will determine what information becomes public. This adds another layer of scrutiny to the ongoing investigations surrounding the former Labour cabinet minister's activities.
