Former UK Ambassador Peter Mandelson Arrested in Probe Linked to Jeffrey Epstein Files

British police have arrested Peter Mandelson, the former UK ambassador to the United States, in connection with an investigation linked to the Jeffrey Epstein files.

It was reported that Mandelson was arrested in the early hours of Monday by the Metropolitan Police Service on suspicion of “misconduct in public office” at an address in north London.

Police are investigating Mandelson over documents that allegedly suggest he passed sensitive government information to Jeffrey Epstein around 15 years ago. Authorities have stated that Mandelson is not facing any allegations of sexual misconduct.

The arrest came four days after Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly known as Prince Andrew, was arrested on suspicion of a similar offence related to his friendship with Epstein. He was released approximately 11 hours later while the investigation remains ongoing.

Mandelson was dismissed from his diplomatic post in September after emails were made public showing that he maintained contact with Epstein following the financier’s 2008 conviction for sex offences involving a minor. When further details emerged in documents released by the US Justice Department last month, British police opened a criminal probe.

The Epstein files reportedly indicate that Mandelson passed sensitive — and potentially market-moving — government information to Epstein in 2009, during Mandelson’s time in government. Following his arrest, officers searched two properties linked to him in London and western England.

The decision to appoint Mandelson previously drew criticism and nearly cost Keir Starmer his position as questions arose over his judgment in selecting a figure with a history of controversy. Although Starmer has acknowledged he made a mistake and has apologised to Epstein’s victims, his position is described as fragile. His future may depend on the release of additional files connected to Mandelson’s appointment.