UK ex-ambassador Mandelson released on bail in Epstein probe

• Lord Peter Mandelson released on bail after arrest over alleged misconduct linked to Jeffrey Epstein.
• Investigation follows US documents suggesting Mandelson shared sensitive government information.

London’s Metropolitan Police have released Lord Peter Mandelson on bail after arresting him on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

The 72-year-old former UK ambassador to the United States and veteran Labour politician was detained at his Camden home on Monday, February 23, and questioned at a local police station. He was freed in the early hours of Tuesday, pending further investigation.

Allegations Tied to Epstein

The arrest is linked to claims that Mandelson passed market-sensitive government information to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein while serving as Business Secretary under Gordon Brown around 2009.

Read more: Epstein files widen as US Justice Department briefs Congress, France opens probe

Newly released emails and financial records by the US Department of Justice suggest a closer relationship between Mandelson and Epstein than previously known. Reports indicate Mandelson may have shared confidential political and economic assessments with Epstein.

Police launched the investigation earlier this month following the emergence of these documents, leading to searches of Mandelson’s Camden and Wiltshire properties. Authorities described the case as involving misconduct by a former government minister. Mandelson has denied any wrongdoing.

Fallout From Epstein Documents

Mandelson’s arrest follows a series of high-profile UK figures implicated in the latest Epstein document releases. Just days earlier, former Prince Andrew was detained and questioned in a related investigation, signaling intensified scrutiny over Epstein’s UK connections.

Read more: Epstein's associate Ghislaine Maxwell sighting in Canada goes viral

Mandelson’s career has faced turbulence in recent months. He was dismissed as UK ambassador to the United States in September 2025 after earlier revelations about his Epstein ties, including a note describing Epstein as his "best pal." He later resigned from the Labour Party and the House of Lords under mounting pressure.

Investigation Ongoing

The Metropolitan Police have not disclosed potential charges or timelines, stating only that Mandelson was bailed "pending further investigation." No formal charges have been filed, and sources say reviewing the complex evidence from the US-released files may take time.

The case continues amid broad international attention on Epstein’s network and its connections to influential figures.