UK Former US Ambassador Arrested in Jeffrey Epstein Email Probe

New Delhi/London: Former U.K. ambassador to the United States Peter Mandelson has been arrested by the Metropolitan Police on suspicion of misconduct in public office following the release of emails showing communication between him and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed that officers arrested the 72-year-old on February 23 as part of an active criminal investigation. Police also confirmed that searches were conducted at two addresses linked to him in London and Wiltshire. After questioning, Mandelson was released on bail pending further inquiries. 

No charges have been filed at this stage.

The arrest follows the publication of email exchanges between Mandelson and Epstein that entered the public domain last month. The documents were disclosed in connection with material reviewed by the U.S. Department of Justice. 

The emails show that Mandelson maintained contact with Epstein after Epstein’s 2008 conviction in the United States. The Metropolitan Police are investigating whether any actions taken by Mandelson while holding public office constitute misconduct in public office under U.K. law.

Misconduct in public office is a common law offence that applies to public officials who abuse their position in a serious way that breaches public trust. 

Any charging decision will be made after evidence is reviewed in accordance with legal standards. Mandelson has denied wrongdoing and is cooperating with investigators. His representatives have stated that he did not share classified or confidential government information.

Authorities have confirmed that the investigation relates to the alleged misuse of public office and not to allegations of sexual misconduct.

A senior figure within the Labour Party, Mandelson previously served in multiple cabinet roles and later sat in the House of Lords.

His arrest follows renewed scrutiny of individuals who had contact with Epstein, who died in 2019 while in U.S. federal custody awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.

The Metropolitan Police have confirmed that the investigation remains ongoing. Mandelson remains on bail as detectives continue examining the evidence gathered. Any further legal action will depend on the outcome of that review.

‘Public News X’ will continue to provide verified updates on the Peter Mandelson arrest, the Metropolitan Police investigation and developments connected to the Jeffrey Epstein email disclosures.