The European Commission has referred former EU trade commissioner Peter Mandelson to its anti-fraud office following the release of files suggesting he shared confidential information about a €500 billion euro bailout with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
OLAF, the European anti-fraud office, confirmed it is examining the matter after receiving the 18 February referral from the Commission. The assessment follows publication of documents indicating Mandelson provided Epstein with details about the 2010 bailout designed to save the euro whilst serving as a senior British minister.
A European Commission spokesperson told POLITICO the referral was made “given the circumstances, and the significant amount of documents made available publicly.” The spokesperson added: “Pending the ongoing assessment, we are not in a position to comment further.”
The released files prompted the Commission to assess whether Mandelson, who served as European commissioner between 2004 and 2008, violated EU regulations through his communications with Epstein, who operated as a financier at the time of the alleged 2010 information sharing.
OLAF emphasized that its current examination does not constitute a formal investigation. “The fact that OLAF is examining the matter does not mean that OLAF has opened an investigation,” the office stated to POLITICO.
The anti-fraud body explained it follows standard procedures for all incoming information of potential investigative interest. “It is only after such an initial assessment that OLAF decides whether or not to open an investigation,” the statement continued.
OLAF added it “fully respects the presumption of innocence and the rights of defence of the persons/entities concerned” during its assessment process.
The Commission’s referral to OLAF followed a letter sent earlier in February by Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, a former MEP, calling for an investigation into Mandelson over the Epstein files. Farage’s intervention preceded the Commission’s decision by several days.
Nick Aiossa, director at anti-corruption campaign group Transparency International, stated: “It is encouraging to see the European Commission take these despicable allegations seriously. It is now incumbent upon OLAF to establish whether Mr Mandelson abused his function as European Commissioner, and take all necessary steps to ensure accountability is delivered.”
Mandelson faces a separate UK investigation, with police arresting him on suspicion of misconduct in public office on Monday before releasing him on bail. His lawyers have stated he is cooperating with the UK police investigation.
The former commissioner has previously said he was wrong to have continued his association with Epstein, who died in 2019, and apologized “unequivocally” to Epstein’s victims. He has stated none of the emails released by the U.S. Department of Justice “indicate wrongdoing or misdemeanor on my part.”
His lawyers have said his overriding priority is to “clear his name.” Mandelson’s legal representatives did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the OLAF assessment.
The files at the center of the referral were recently made public by U.S. authorities. They allegedly show Mandelson providing Epstein with information about the €500 billion bailout package during the 2010 financial crisis when European policymakers were working to stabilize the euro.
The case has become central to a political scandal affecting Keir Starmer’s government in Britain, with Mandelson’s dual status as former EU commissioner and senior British minister placing him under regulatory scrutiny on both sides of the Channel.
OLAF’s initial assessment will determine whether sufficient grounds exist to launch a full investigation into potential breaches of EU regulations. The office has not specified a timeline for completing its review of the available documentation.
If OLAF decides to open a formal investigation following its assessment, it could result in recommendations for administrative sanctions. The office also has authority to refer cases to prosecution authorities if it identifies potential criminal violations during its investigations.
The European Commission cannot proceed with further action until OLAF completes its assessment and makes recommendations. The Commission’s ability to impose sanctions on former officials depends on the specific findings and whether violations occurred during the period of EU employment.
The outcome of OLAF’s assessment will determine the next steps in the EU investigation track, independent of the UK police investigation proceeding simultaneously. The two processes operate under different legal frameworks with separate accountability mechanisms.
