UK Police Search Mandelson-Linked Properties in Expanding Epstein Investigation

 

LONDON — The Met came knocking Friday morning. Two addresses: one in Camden, north London, the other in Wiltshire countryside. Both linked to Peter Mandelson, former cabinet minister, former EU trade commissioner, former UK ambassador to Washington, current headache for Keir Starmer.

Nobody arrested. Yet. "Enquiries ongoing," the police statement said, which is Scotland Yard for we're looking, not charging, not yet.

The Epstein connection isn't new. Mandelson acknowledged knowing the financier years ago — "met him occasionally," the standard formulation. What's changed are emails, newly surfaced, suggesting something more transactional. Leaks of sensitive government information during the 2008 financial crisis. Payments flowing the other way. The kind of details that turn embarrassing acquaintance into potential criminal misconduct.

Starmer appointed Mandelson to Washington last summer. A controversial choice even then — too Blairite, too establishment, too much baggage. Now that baggage includes police search warrants and opposition demands for the vetting documents. The Prime Minister's office says the appointment process was "robust." Downing Street says less than that. 

Starmer himself says nothing, visible in public, invisible on Mandelson.

The Met's investigation predates the DOJ's Epstein file release, but the timing collides. 200 emails mentioning Mandelson in those documents — context unclear, volume undeniable. The police searches suggest investigators found threads worth pulling. What they find inside the Camden flat and Wiltshire house will determine whether this stays a political problem or becomes a legal one.

Mandelson built a career on surviving. Third way politics, EU trade wars, three resignations, three comebacks. This morning, officers in his kitchen, his files, his devices. The comeback playbook doesn't cover that.

What actually happened

Two search warrants executed Friday. Camden and Wiltshire. Mandelson not arrested. Investigation into alleged misconduct in public office — leaks to Epstein, payments received. Emails from 2008 financial crisis under scrutiny. Starmer facing pressure to release vetting documents from Washington appointment.

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