LONDON — British police said the country’s former ambassador to the United States has been released on bail after being arrested amid mounting scrutiny over his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that a 72-year-old man arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office was released pending further investigation. Officers executed search warrants at two addresses in Wiltshire and Camden and took the suspect to a London police station for questioning. Authorities did not name Mandelson in their statement, in keeping with standard British legal practice.
Allegations Stem From Newly Released Documents
The arrest follows the U.S. Justice Department’s release of millions of Epstein-related documents. Some emails from 2009 appear to show Mandelson discussing potential policy measures, including a planned tax on bankers’ bonuses and a eurozone bailout package before it was publicly announced. Mandelson has denied any wrongdoing.
Video broadcast by Sky News showed Mandelson being led from his north London home. Earlier this month, police searched two properties linked to him, and he stepped down from the House of Lords days before his arrest.
The investigation is not related to Epstein’s sex crimes but instead centers on allegations of misconduct in public office.
Political Fallout Widens
Mandelson’s detention comes less than a week after Prince Andrew, also known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, was arrested on the same offense and later released under investigation. He has denied wrongdoing related to Epstein and previously settled a civil case brought by Virginia Giuffre without admitting liability.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has faced mounting political pressure over Mandelson’s previous appointment as ambassador. Starmer recently accused him of misrepresenting the extent of his ties to Epstein during the vetting process.
The expanding release of Epstein-related files has triggered resignations, investigations and political upheaval across multiple countries, with additional disclosures expected in the coming weeks.
