An explosive Daily Mail investigation has uncovered that Peter Mandelson, while serving as the European Union's trade commissioner, accepted luxury private jet flights aboard a Gulfstream aircraft controlled by Russian aluminium billionaire Oleg Deripaska, a favoured tycoon of Kremlin strongman Vladimir Putin. The flights transported Mandelson to a crucial trade summit in The Hague where he met directly with Putin, raising serious questions about conflicts of interest and transparency.
Undisclosed Luxury Travel on Oligarch's Jet
The Mail's revelations detail how Mandelson took two complimentary flights on Deripaska's Gulfstream IV executive jet on November 25, 2004. The journey involved a flight from Brussels to Luton, followed by another from Luton to Rotterdam in the Netherlands. According to the investigation, Mandelson failed to declare these flights as required by EU regulations. A crew member described Mandelson as "quite ratty" during the journey, apparently anxious to reach his destination more quickly.
Subsequent Tariff Cuts Benefited Oligarch
Following these interactions, the European Union implemented significant reductions in aluminium tariffs—a move that substantially benefited Deripaska's business interests. The Russian billionaire subsequently ascended to become one of the world's ten wealthiest individuals, with critics suggesting a troubling correlation between Mandelson's acceptance of luxury travel and subsequent policy decisions.
Political Fallout and Demands for Investigation
Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has demanded an immediate investigation into what she termed "disturbing new revelations," emphasising the need for the Intelligence and Security Committee to examine all material related to Mandelson's tenure as EU trade commissioner. Shadow home affairs minister Alicia Kearns delivered a scathing assessment, stating that Mandelson "stinks of a man who holds the British people in complete contempt" and accusing him of betraying the EU to "Putin's pet oligarch."
Deepening Epstein Connections
Mandelson's troubles have intensified with revelations about his connections to convicted paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. US Congressional investigators have formally requested Mandelson testify as part of their probe into Epstein's network, noting that Mandelson referred to Epstein as his "best pal" and received payments of at least $75,000 from the financier. The latest Epstein files suggest Mandelson may have passed confidential British government information to Epstein.
Pattern of Undeclared Russian Connections
The Mail's investigation reveals a pattern of undeclared interactions between Mandelson and Putin's inner circle. In 2005, Mandelson attended a private, unofficial dinner with Russia's finance minister arranged by Deripaska, and later traveled 2,000 miles to Siberia where he stayed at the oligarch's dacha and participated in traditional Russian sauna rituals. These interactions were not formally disclosed despite Mandelson's official position overseeing EU trade policy with Russia.
Current Investigations and Legal Scrutiny
The revelations cap a difficult period for Mandelson, with Scotland Yard having launched an investigation into allegations of misconduct in public office. A parade of high-powered lawyers has been observed visiting his £12 million London townhouse in recent days. When confronted with the latest findings, Mandelson claimed he could "not recall" travel arrangements from so long ago but suggested they would have "been made by his office at the Commission."
Former prime minister Gordon Brown has suggested that Mandelson's email communications with Epstein could potentially constitute criminal activity. The unfolding scandal continues to raise fundamental questions about transparency, accountability, and the appropriate boundaries between public officials and wealthy private interests with significant policy stakes.
