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Thu, 26 Feb 2026

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 Mandelson referred to EU anti-fraud agency over Epstein emails

The European Commission says it is assessing whether the peer breached its code of conduct while its trade envoy.
The European Commission has asked the EU's anti-fraud agency, Olaf, to investigate Lord Mandelson due to recent revelations in US documents related to late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The investigation follows an arrest by UK police on suspicion of misconduct in public office and allegations that Mandelson shared internal government information with Epstein while serving as the Commission's trade envoy from 2004-2008. According to EU officials, Mandelson was subject to a code of conduct during his time at the Commission, which includes obligations to maintain confidentiality. Following the publication of new documents, the European Commission has been assessing whether there were any breaches of these obligations and asked Olaf to investigate on February 18. Olaf's remit is to investigate serious misconduct by EU staff and members of its institutions. Mandelson was previously removed as the UK's ambassador to the US after details emerged about his association with Epstein, who died in 2019 while awaiting trial for sex trafficking charges. Mandelson has not commented publicly on the allegations but it is understood that he denies any wrongdoing and claims not to have been motivated by financial gain. He was released on bail pending further investigation and is required to surrender his passport as part of his bail conditions. The investigation by Olaf will assess whether there were any breaches of EU obligations, particularly in relation to confidentiality and the sharing of internal information.