Mandelson referred to EU anti-fraud agency over Epstein emails

"The emails published by the US government last month suggest the 72-year-old peer gave Epstein advance notice of an imminent 500bn (438bn) bailout to save the ailing euro in 2010. The European Commission spokeswoman told the BBC that, as a member of the Commission, Lord Mandelson had been subject to obligations under a code of conduct."

"On this basis, and as new documents were published recently, we are looking into these and assessing whether there is any breach of the respective obligations. Given the circumstances, and the significant amount of documents made available publicly, the European Commission also asked Olaf on 18 February to look into the matter."

"Lord Mandelson has not commented publicly on the allegations, but it is understood his position is that he has not acted in any way criminally and that he was not motivated by financial gain."

The European Commission has referred Lord Mandelson to the European Anti-Fraud Office (Olaf) for investigation following the publication of documents revealing communications between the peer and deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. During his tenure as UK business secretary, emails suggest Mandelson provided Epstein with advance notice of a €500 billion euro bailout in 2010. The Commission states that as a former member, Mandelson was bound by a code of conduct and the new documents are being assessed for potential breaches. This referral follows his arrest by UK police on suspicion of misconduct in public office. Mandelson maintains he acted without criminal intent and was not motivated by financial gain.

Read at www.bbc.com