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Mandelson under formal investigation by EU anti-fraud office
The EU's anti-fraud office Olaf has opened a formal probe into Lord Mandelson over his time as EU commissioner and links to Jeffrey Epstein. Olaf says it has sufficient information to start, with potential sanctions but no prosecution, while related UK investigations continue.
Why It Matters
The case intersects EU oversight, UK politics, and ongoing investigations into ties between a senior former official and Epstein, potentially affecting pensions and sanctions for EU staff.
Timeline
7 Events
April 24, 2026 – Olly Robbins comments about pressure to rush Mandelson's appointment
April 24, 2026
Sir Olly Robbins, former top civil servant at the Foreign Office, said he had been pressured to rush through Mandelson's appointment as ambassador to the US.
April 24, 2026 – Emails surface linking Mandelson and Epstein to 2010 eurozone crisis
April 24, 2026
Emails to Epstein emerged surrounding the eurozone crisis in 2010, including allegations that Mandelson gave Epstein advance notice of an impending €500bn bailout.
April 24, 2026 – Met Police launch criminal investigation
April 24, 2026
The UK's Metropolitan Police launched a criminal investigation into suggestions that Mandelson had passed on market-sensitive information during his time as business secretary in 2009.
April 24, 2026 – Olaf states no prosecution jurisdiction; may refer to European Prosecutor's Office
April 24, 2026
Olaf said it had no jurisdiction to prosecute and would pass any criminal element to the European Prosecutor's Office if necessary.
April 24, 2026 – Olaf confirms sufficient information to launch formal investigation
April 24, 2026
Olaf confirmed it had recently had 'sufficient information' to launch a formal investigation into Mandelson's conduct, but said it was too early to say whether the allegations involved fraud.
February 2026 – EU Commission asks Olaf to investigate Mandelson's conduct
February 2026
The European Commission asked Olaf to look into allegations of misconduct during Mandelson's four-year term as EU commissioner (2004-2008).
September 2025 – Mandelson sacked as UK ambassador to the US
September 2025
Mandelson was sacked as UK ambassador to the United States after the extent of his ties to Jeffrey Epstein became clear.