The UK criminal investigation into Peter Mandelson has encountered a significant setback due to the US Department of Justice’s refusal to provide crucial files related to Jeffrey Epstein. Scotland Yard’s efforts to uncover the truth are now facing a lengthy delay, raising concerns that any formal charges may not be brought until 2028 or later.
At the heart of the dispute is a collection of heavily redacted documents held by the US Department of Justice. British detectives believe these files contain essential evidence concerning Mandelson, who previously served as business secretary and British ambassador to Washington.
The Metropolitan Police requested voluntary disclosure of the documents, but the US Department of Justice declined. Instead, they have insisted on a formal Mutual Legal Assistance request, a legal process known for its slow pace, often taking 18 months or more to complete. Even direct appeals by Met Police Chief Sir Mark Rowley to the US ambassador, as well as his personal visit to Washington, have failed to persuade the Americans to cooperate.
Without access to the original documents, British prosecutors are unable to open a charging file, meaning a decision on whether to prosecute could be delayed for years.
The investigation began in January after leaked US Justice Department documents suggested that Mandelson passed sensitive government secrets to Jeffrey Epstein while serving in Gordon Brown’s cabinet. The alleged information included details about a multi-billion-pound EU bailout, the timing of Brown’s resignation, and potential land deals involving Epstein.
Mandelson was arrested in February at his home in Regent’s Park, questioned for nine hours, and subsequently released on bail. He denies all allegations of wrongdoing. Another individual involved in the probe is Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, who was also arrested but has yet to face charges.
The refusal of the US to cooperate is not due to UK law but stems from Washington’s stance. Acting US Attorney General Todd Blanche stated that after reviewing Epstein’s files last summer, “there was nothing in there that allowed us to prosecute anybody.” This position persists despite bipartisan calls for action. Even Melania Trump has urged Congress to reveal the abusers named in the files, stating: “Epstein was not alone.”
Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump has advocated moving on from the issue, saying: “It’s really time for the country to get on to something else.” Trump’s close association with Epstein over 15 years has fueled speculation that he fears the consequences if prosecutions expand. Republican congresswoman Marjorie Taylor-Greene has suggested that Trump worries his friends “would get hurt,” a claim dismissed by the White House as “petty bitterness.”
This complex political context means the US refusal to assist the UK has significant implications. The withheld files reportedly include sensitive information connected to ongoing US investigations. Scotland Yard insists on full access before proceeding with any prosecutorial decisions.
Domestically, Mandelson’s arrest has caused political turmoil for Sir Keir Starmer’s government. Mandelson’s controversial appointment as UK ambassador to Washington has become a notable political liability. With the criminal case stalled indefinitely, Conservative critics and the public express frustration over the US stonewalling and the apparent lack of justice.
Originally published by UKNIP.
