The European Commission has formally asked the EU’s anti-corruption watchdog to examine the actions of Peter Mandelson during his time in Brussels as EU trade commissioner from 2004–2008.
According to the Commission, the request to the European Anti-Fraud Office was submitted last week following the publication of thousands of documents pointing to Mandelson’s links to Jeffrey Epstein.
“In light of the circumstances and the substantial body of material that has entered the public domain, on February 18 the European Commission asked OLAF to examine this matter,” a spokesperson said.
The spokesperson added that, following the recent release of additional documents, the Commission is reviewing their contents and assessing whether any relevant obligations may have been breached.
According to two sources familiar with the matter, the review is intended to be wide-ranging and, at the initial stage, will not focus on any single line of inquiry.
OLAF declined to comment. Mandelson’s lawyers at Mishcon de Reya also did not respond to journalists’ requests.
The Commission’s request was submitted before British police detained Mandelson on Monday on suspicion of abuse of office. He spent nine hours being questioned and was released on bail. Mandelson himself denies any wrongdoing.
Earlier this month, the leader of Reform UK and former Member of the European Parliament Nigel Farage sent a letter to OLAF calling for an investigation into Mandelson.
Farage argued that the former EU commissioner’s conduct was “so questionable that it could justify stripping him of his pension benefits,” which amount to £31,000 a year and are linked to his work at the European Commission.
Documents released by the US Department of Justice show that in 2003 and 2004 the former Labour cabinet minister received $75,000 from Epstein.
According to the files, in 2009 and 2010 Mandelson passed confidential British government information to the convicted sex offender, including a Downing Street document on forthcoming tax changes and plans to sell assets worth £20bn.
The same records also claim that, while serving as business secretary, he informed Epstein of a forthcoming €500bn eurozone bailout package several hours before its official announcement.