British police have arrested former U.K. ambassador to the United States Peter Mandelson following the release of millions of documents tied to the late financier Jeffrey Epstein.

London’s Metropolitan Police confirmed that officers arrested a 72-year-old man on suspicion of misconduct in public office. While authorities did not name Mandelson in their official statement, video broadcast by Sky News showed him being led from his north London home wearing a gray sweater and black coat.

“Officers have arrested a 72-year-old man on suspicion of misconduct in public office,” the Metropolitan Police said. The force added that he was taken to a London police station for questioning. The statement noted that search warrants had been executed at two addresses in the Wiltshire and Camden areas.

Allegations Linked to Epstein Files

The arrest follows the Justice Department’s recent release of extensive files related to its investigation into Epstein. Among the documents are emails from 2009 that appear to show Mandelson sharing sensitive political and market-related information with Epstein.

The emails reportedly include discussions of potential policy measures, a planned tax on bankers’ bonuses, and confirmation of an imminent eurozone bailout package before it was publicly announced.

Mandelson has denied any wrongdoing in connection with Epstein.

Police said the investigation relates to alleged misconduct in public office offenses involving a former government minister. His arrest is not connected to any sex offense allegations.

Political Fallout in the UK

Mandelson’s detention comes amid growing political pressure in the United Kingdom. He served as Britain’s ambassador to the United States from February to September 2025, appointed by Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Days before his arrest, Mandelson stepped down from the House of Lords.

Earlier this month, Starmer said Mandelson had “lied repeatedly” about the extent of his past contact with Epstein.

The Justice Department’s document release has shaken political and business figures internationally. Several high-profile resignations and criminal investigations have followed in multiple countries.

Mandelson’s arrest comes less than a week after former Prince Andrew, now known as Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, was arrested on suspicion of the same offense. He was later released “under investigation,” meaning he was neither charged nor cleared. Mountbatten Windsor has consistently denied wrongdoing related to Epstein.

Longtime Political Career

Mandelson has been a prominent figure in British politics for decades. He began working for the Labour Party in the 1980s and played a central role in Tony Blair’s landslide election victory in 1997.

During Blair’s government, Mandelson served in senior Cabinet roles but was forced to resign twice. The first resignation followed controversy over an undeclared bank loan. The second came after he intervened in a passport application for a foreign businessman.

He later returned to government under Prime Minister Gordon Brown as business secretary and was appointed to the House of Lords in 2008.

His relationship with Epstein had been known publicly prior to his appointment as ambassador. An earlier release of Epstein-related documents included a 2003 birthday message in which Mandelson referred to Epstein as “my best pal.”

Financial records contained in the files appear to show Epstein made three payments totaling $75,000 in 2003 and 2004 to accounts linked to Mandelson or his then-partner. Mandelson previously told the BBC that he had no recollection of receiving the sums and did not know whether the documents were authentic.

The files also suggest their friendship continued after Epstein pleaded guilty in 2008 to charges of solicitation of prostitution, including with a minor, and served an 18-month sentence in a minimum-security facility.

Broader International Impact

The release of Epstein-related materials has drawn other prominent names into scrutiny, including Thorbjørn Jagland, former prime minister of Norway and later head of the Nobel Committee and the Council of Europe; Tom Pritzker, executive chairman of Hyatt Hotels Corp.; and former White House counsel Kathy Ruemmler.

Mandelson remains in custody pending further questioning. No formal charges have been announced.

The investigation continues as authorities examine whether any laws were violated in communications disclosed in the newly released files.

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