Peter Mandelson, former UK Ambassador to US, arrested in Epstein-linked probe

Former UK ambassador to the United States, Peter Mandelson, is pictured as he leaves his residence in central London on February 21, 2026. (Photo by JUSTIN TALLIS / AFP)

Former British ambassador to the United States Peter Mandelson has been arrested by London police on suspicion of misconduct in public office, according to officials familiar with the case.

Mandelson, 72, was taken into custody as part of a criminal investigation launched earlier this month. The probe focuses on his communications with Jeffrey Epstein, the late financier whose extensive network of powerful contacts has continued to draw scrutiny years after his death.

Mandelson had already been removed from Britain’s most senior diplomatic posting in September, after revelations about the depth of his personal association with Epstein became public. The disclosures sparked political controversy and raised questions about judgment and propriety at the highest levels of government service.

The criminal inquiry was initiated after the government of Prime Minister Keir Starmer forwarded communications between Mandelson and Epstein to law enforcement authorities. Those materials were subsequently reviewed by investigators, prompting the opening of a formal case.

The former Labour minister and UK ambassador to the United States has come under investigation over allegations that he shared information with paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein during his time as business secretary. As part of the probe, police carried out searches at two properties linked to him.

Confirming the arrest, The Guardian quoted a Metropolitan Police spokesperson as saying: “Officers have arrested a 72-year-old man on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

“He was arrested at an address in Camden on Monday, February 23 and has been taken to a London police station for interview.

“This follows search warrants at two addresses in the Wiltshire and Camden areas.”

Earlier on Monday, the government said it would publish documents related to Mandelson’s appointment as US ambassador in early March, as scrutiny around the case continues.

After US courts released millions of documents related to convicted sex offender Epstein, the Financial Times reported that Mandelson and Wegg-Prosser sought Epstein's advice on launching the company in 2010.

Documents also showed that Wegg-Prosser met Epstein while he was under house arrest in New York to present the firm's business plan.

The scandal raised fresh questions about Starmer's judgement after acknowledging he had appointed Mandelson as US ambassador despite knowing he had maintained links to the late Epstein.