Met Police Scrutinize Bailout Email Amid Criminal Inquiry
Lord Peter Mandelson faces a police investigation over a 2010 email he sent to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein that reportedly disclosed sensitive details about a massive EU bailout following the financial crisis. The Metropolitan Police Commissioner, Sir Mark Rowley, confirmed officers are examining whether this email constitutes a criminal offense.
The email, part of the FBI-released Epstein files, suggests Mandelson shared advance knowledge of a €500 billion European Union bailout aimed at stabilizing the Eurozone. On May 9, 2010, the night before the official announcement, Epstein messaged Mandelson: “sources tell me 500 b euro bailout, almost complete.” Mandelson’s response read: “Sd be announced tonight.” Epstein then inquired if Mandelson was home, to which Mandelson replied, “Just leaving No10..will call.”
Details Behind the Investigation
Sir Mark Rowley told ABC News the probe centers on whether this exchange violated any laws related to misconduct in public office. Mandelson, the UK’s former ambassador to the US, is under investigation but maintains he acted lawfully, without personal gain, and is cooperating fully with authorities. He has declined to comment publicly on the matter.
In addition to Mandelson, Thames Valley Police are investigating Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former prince, over allegations of sharing confidential information with Epstein. Both men are scrutinized amid claims of misconduct linked to the Epstein scandal.
Allegations and Legal Proceedings
Sir Mark disclosed that the Met interviewed Virginia Giuffre four times. Giuffre alleged she was trafficked to London in 2001 to engage in sexual activities with Mountbatten-Windsor when she was 17. However, police found no actionable evidence or credible allegations in the UK jurisdiction, leading to the closure of that investigation. Mountbatten-Windsor has consistently denied all allegations. Giuffre tragically died by suicide in 2023.
Ongoing International Cooperation
The Met Commissioner emphasized the importance of accessing unredacted evidence from the US to advance any potential prosecutions. He confirmed ongoing close cooperation between UK and US law enforcement agencies to ensure thorough examination of the Epstein files.
This investigation marks a critical chapter in the wider scrutiny of Jeffrey Epstein’s network and the possible misuse of privileged information by high-profile figures.
