Police Search UK Properties Linked to Mandelson in Epstein Probe

British police are conducting searches at two properties linked to former UK Ambassador to the United States Peter Mandelson as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged misconduct in public office.

The Metropolitan Police’s Central Specialist Crime team is searching two addresses located in London and Wiltshire, according to Deputy Assistant Commissioner Hayley Sewart. The investigation involves a 72-year-old man, whose identity has not been disclosed.

Mandelson, 72, owns homes in both locations. He is being investigated over documents suggesting he shared sensitive government information with Jeffrey Epstein, a late financier who was convicted of sex offences involving a minor in 2008.

In September, emails were published showing that Mandelson remained friends with Epstein after his conviction. More recent releases from the US Department of Justice suggest that Mandelson also passed on sensitive and potentially market-moving information to Epstein during his time as business secretary under the Labour government led by Gordon Brown.

The investigation has sparked concerns about Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s judgment, particularly given the current low opinion polls. The prime minister had previously sacked Mandelson after the initial email revelations but has since apologized for believing his “lies” when appointing him to the ambassador role.

Starmer’s government has pledged to provide support and assistance to the police as needed. Mandelson has resigned from Starmer’s Labour Party and quit his parliamentary position, but has not commented on the investigation.

Source: Al Jazeera