Mandelson Offered Epstein Russian Visa Assistance via Putin-Linked Oligarch
Newly released documents from the US Department of Justice reveal that former Labour minister Peter Mandelson offered to help convicted paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein obtain a Russian visa through a billionaire oligarch with close links to Vladimir Putin. The emails suggest Epstein planned to use the visa to travel to Moscow to meet young women.
Email Exchange Reveals Visa Request
On 9 November 2010, Epstein emailed Lord Mandelson, who had left government six months earlier, asking for assistance with acquiring a Russian visa. Epstein wrote: 'I do not have a visa for Russia, it is a bank holiday in Paris today... any ideas how I can get one.'
The released correspondence indicates that Mandelson replied within hours, expressing willingness to help Epstein, who had been released from prison approximately one year earlier after serving a 13-month sentence for soliciting a minor.
Connection to Russian Oligarch Oleg Deripaska
The following day, Mandelson emailed Epstein again, stating that an associate 'can get visa through OD' - believed to refer to Russian tycoon Oleg Deripaska, who was later sanctioned by the UK following the start of the Ukraine war.
A few hours later, Mandelson informed Epstein: 'OD office helping on visas. Told him he [should] meet u and of course he wants to. He's travelling at moment.'
This connection between Mandelson and Deripaska is not new. In 2008, the then EU trade commissioner and George Osborne, then shadow chancellor, faced controversy after attending a party on the oligarch's superyacht in Corfu.
History of Document Assistance
This was not the first instance of Mandelson offering help with official documents. In 2001, he was forced to resign from Tony Blair's cabinet after intervening in a passport application for an Indian businessman.
Epstein's Moscow Plans
On the same day Epstein requested visa assistance from Mandelson, he exchanged emails with a woman in Russia discussing finding 'someone very nice soon for you.' Epstein added: 'I have around 10 friends I'm working on now.'
Three days later, Epstein asked the woman if she had had 'any luck,' to which she responded that she had found a 'gorgeous' woman who was 'really interested.' The woman noted they had 'told her everything and she is completely fine.'
However, the emails reveal the Moscow trip was ultimately cancelled due to delays in obtaining Russian visas.
Additional Business Connections Revealed
The files also suggest Mandelson helped an investment banker friend of Epstein secure a government deal to purchase an energy trading business partly owned by crisis-stricken RBS.
According to the documents, Epstein arranged a meeting between investment banker Jes Staley, then chancellor Alistair Darling, and Lord Mandelson, who was business secretary at the time. In February 2010, the government announced an agreement to sell the business to JP Morgan for $1.7 billion (£1.2 billion).
Despite this assistance, the emails show JP Morgan later snubbed Mandelson as he sought employment after leaving office.
Mandelson's Response and Denials
Lord Mandelson has previously stated: 'I can say clearly, though, I regret ever having known Epstein. I was wrong to believe Epstein and swallow his lies following his conviction and to continue my association with him afterwards. I deeply regret doing so and apologise unequivocally to the women and girls who suffered.'
Mandelson was approached for comment regarding the latest revelations. There is no suggestion that he knew why Epstein wanted the Russian visa, and he has consistently denied any sexual misconduct or awareness of Epstein's crimes.
