Arya News - Authorities in Britain confirmed Wednesday that a criminal investigation has been launched into Britain`s former ambassador to the United States, Peter Mandelson, over allegations he leaked government information to conv
Feb. 4 (UPI) -- Authorities in Britain confirmed Wednesday that a criminal investigation has been launched into Britain"s former ambassador to the United States, Peter Mandelson, over allegations that he leaked government information to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
The 72-year-old was fired as Britain"s envoy to Washington in September following revelations of his friendship with the late disgraced financier who died by suicide in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges in a Manhattan jail cell.
Documents from the U.S. government"s investigation into Epstein made public last week by the U.S. Justice Department have reignited scrutiny over Mandelson"s dealings with the New York socialite.
The trove of millions of documents released on Friday contained emails that Mandelson allegedly sent Epstein while he was Britain"s business secretary.
On Tuesday, Ella Marriott, commander of London"s Metropolitan Police, issued a statement confirming the launch of an investigation into Mandelson, though she did not name the suspect.
"I can confirm that the Metropolitan Police has now launched an investigation into a 72-year-old man, a former Government Minister, for misconduct in public office," she said.
The investigation was launched after the Met received reports of alleged misconduct in public office by Mandelson following the release of the Epstein documents. Among those that made a referral was the British government, she said.
"The Met will continue to assess all relevant information brought to our attention as part of this investigation and won"t be commenting any further at this time," Marriott added.
The announcement came as Lord Speaker Michael Forsyth told members Tuesday afternoon that Mandelson"s "intention to retire from the House," effective Wednesday.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer of Britain told his cabinet on Tuesday that he is "appalled" by the released emails, accusing Mandelson of having "let his country down," according to a statement from his spokesperson.
According to the spokesperson, Starmer has asked officials to draft legislation to strip Mandelson of his peerage as soon as possible.
A review of the documents by the British government found what is "likely market-sensitive information" was communicated from Mandelson to Epstein around the financial crash of 2008, the spokesperson said, adding that "only people in an official capacity had access to this information."
"In light of this information, the Cabinet Office has referred this material to the police," the spokesperson said.
Keir appointed Mandelson the British ambassador to the United States in December 2024, praising the Labor Party member who will "bring unrivaled experience to the role and take our partnership from strength to strength."