A 72-year-old former UK ambassador and senior member of the Labour Party, Peter Mandelson, was arrested on Monday by Metropolitan Police in Britain in connection with a criminal inquiry into his past associations with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, according to a statement released by the police.
The arrest of the ex-ambassador comes after an investigation was launched by the police earlier this month following the receipt of communications from government officials regarding Mandelson’s past associations with Epstein, according to the police.
Police confirmed that a 72-year-old man had been arrested and taken to a London police station for questioning.
Video footage aired by British media showed Mandelson being led out of his home by plainclothes police wearing body cameras before being taken into an unmarked vehicle.
However, it was made clear that an arrest is only an indication of the suspicion of a possible crime and is not proof of guilt. Mandelson’s lawyers have not yet commented on the matter.
The case revolves around the previously unknown communications between Mandelson and Epstein that have been revealed by the release of documents by the U.S. Department of Justice in January.
Read Also: Bill Gates Pulls Out Of India AI Summit Amid Epstein Scandal
According to the documents, Mandelson and Epstein had a closer relationship than had been previously admitted, including during Mandelson’s time as a cabinet minister in the administration of former Prime Minister Gordon Brown.
The British government reviewed the documents following their publication, and the relevant correspondence was later handed over to the police, sources close to the case have revealed.
The case is examining whether any information shared by Mandelson during his time in public office was in breach of the legal requirements of his ministerial role, although the exact charges being considered have not been revealed.
The police have confirmed that search warrants were carried out earlier this month on two properties known to Mandelson, one in Camden, in the north of London, and another in Wiltshire, in the west of England.
It was evidence from these searches that contributed to the arrest on Monday, according to the police.
Mandelson, a veteran Labour Party strategist who has held high-ranking positions in the British cabinet and later became Britain’s ambassador to Washington, lost his diplomatic position in September as questions mounted about his link to Epstein.
The ambassador position is considered one of the most prestigious roles in the British Foreign Service, reflecting the importance of the relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom.
Mandelson was forced out of his position as a result of mounting political pressure as more information came to light about his relationship with Epstein.
Mandelson has already admitted to his connection to Epstein and has said that he “very deeply” regretted the relationship, but he has not commented on the latest revelations or the criminal investigation
Earlier this month, Mandelson also resigned his Labour Party membership and stepped down from his position in the House of Lords, a move that came as he faced growing pressure from his political opponents to be held accountable for his actions.
Read Also: New Mexico Approves Investigation Into Epstein’s Zorro Ranch
The government of Prime Minister Keir Starmer has not made any specific comments about the investigation, but it has confirmed that relevant information was passed to law enforcement officials as soon as officials were made aware of its possible significance.
The government has stated that any questions about criminal responsibility are the sole province of the police and prosecutors.
Epstein, a U.S. financier who died in 2019 while awaiting trial for federal sex trafficking crimes, was known to have associations with a variety of political and business leaders across the globe.
Investigations of those associated with Epstein have continued in a variety of jurisdictions, often examining whether any personal connections crossed into official duties.
The Mandelson inquiry is part of a wider investigation into allegations of misconduct by public officials linked to Epstein. Last week, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the younger brother of King Charles III, was arrested separately on suspicion of misconduct in public office after allegations that confidential government papers were passed to Epstein.
Prince Andrew has denied the allegations, and the police have stated that the two investigations are not directly related.
Misconduct in public office is a serious but relatively rare common law offense in the UK, usually used when a public official is accused of abusing their powers in a way that undermines public confidence.
If found guilty, it can result in a substantial prison sentence, although it is often difficult to prove, as the prosecution must show that the official acted deliberately and with a high degree of seriousness.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that Mandelson is still under investigation and that detectives are still assessing documents and carrying out interviews. No charges have been made.