Met Police reviews Jeffrey Epstein 'misconduct' allegations

Jeffrey Epstein/Peter Mandelson <i>(Image: Palm Beach County Sheriff's Department/PA)</i>
Jeffrey Epstein/Peter Mandelson (Image: Palm Beach County Sheriff's Department/PA)
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Police are reviewing allegations of misconduct in public office linked to a high-profile scandal involving Jeffrey Epstein.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed it had received multiple reports following media coverage and newly released US court documents that suggest confidential UK government information may have been leaked to the convicted paedophile and financier.

Met commander Ella Marriott said: "We are aware of the further release of millions of court documents in relation to Jeffrey Epstein by the United States Department of Justice.

"Following this release and subsequent media reporting, the Met has received a number of reports relating to alleged misconduct in a public office.

"The reports will all be reviewed to determine if they meet the criminal threshold for investigation."

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The allegations centre on Lord Mandelson, who, while serving as business secretary in 2009, is claimed to have shared sensitive information with Epstein.

Documents from the US Department of Justice suggest Lord Mandelson told Epstein he would lobby ministers regarding a tax on bankers’ bonuses and confirmed details of a euro bailout package before it was publicly announced in 2010.

Bank records from 2003 and 2004 appear to show Lord Mandelson received $75,000 from Epstein.

It is also claimed that Epstein paid for an osteopathy course for Lord Mandelson’s husband.

A government spokesperson said: "It is rightly for the police to determine whether to investigate and the government stands ready to provide whatever support and assistance the police need."

Lord Mandelson resigned his Labour membership on Sunday night.

He said he had "no record or recollection" of financial payments from Epstein and denied any wrongdoing.

The controversy has prompted wider fallout.

Sarah’s Trust, the international charity chaired by Sarah Ferguson, the former duchess, announced it will close after new revelations emerged about her friendship with paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein.

A spokesperson for Sarah’s Trust said: "Our chair Sarah Ferguson and the board of trustees have agreed that with regret the charity will shortly close for the foreseeable future.

"This has been under discussion and in train for some months."

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