Police Arrest Former UK Ambassador After Epstein Disclosures

A former British ambassador to the United States was arrested Feb. 23 after the U.S. government released emails between the ambassador and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Peter Mandelson, 72, the former ambassador to the United States, was seen in footage captured by the BBC being escorted into a police vehicle by officers in the London borough of Camden.

“Officers have arrested a 72-year-old man on suspicion of misconduct in public office,” a Metropolitan Police spokesperson said in a statement. “He was arrested at an address in Camden on Monday, 23 February and has been taken to a London police station for interview.”

The spokesperson said no further information could be provided at this stage “to prevent prejudicing the integrity of the investigation.”

It was not clear if Mandelson had retained an attorney.

Misconduct in public office can land a sentence of up to life in prison. It is brought when a public officer “wilfully neglects to perform their duty and/or wilfully misconducts themselves” to a degree that abuses the public trust, and absent “reasonable excuse or justification,” according to prosecutorial guidance.

Mandelson was fired from his ambassador role in 2025, after emails showed his relationship with Epstein was “materially different from that known at the time of his appointment,” the British Foreign Office said at the time. Mandelson also recently resigned as a UK lawmaker, and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer apologized for appointing him.

Epstein pleaded guilty to soliciting a minor for prostitution in 2008. He died in U.S. prison in 2019 while awaiting trial on child sex trafficking charges.

In one of the emails, Mandelson wrote after Epstein’s conviction that “I think the world of you and I feel hopeless and furious about what has happened.”

Mandelson told The Times in a recent interview that none of the files “indicate wrongdoing or misdemeanor on my part.”

More missives between the pair were made public by the U.S. government in January, including messages in 2009 celebrating Epstein’s release from prison.

In another email, sent that year, Mandelson forwarded Epstein a message that had gone to the prime minister.

The Metropolitan Police said on Feb. 3 it was opening an investigation into alleged misconduct in public office. The subject was a 72-year-old former government minister, authorities said at the time.

Officials later said they carried out search warrants on homes in Wiltshire and Camden as part of the investigation, which was described as complex.

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, known for years as Prince Andrew, was arrested for alleged misconduct in public office on Feb. 19, following the release of the new Epstein documents. He and Epstein for years corresponded and spent time together.

The Metropolitan Police said on Feb. 20 that authorities were aware that London airports may have been used to facilitate human trafficking and sexual exploitation and were looking into the suggestion. Also, authorities said they were identifying and getting in touch with former and current officers who may have worked closely with Mountbatten-Windsor, to see whether they heard or saw anything relevant while they were protecting him.

“While we are aware of the extensive media reporting and commentary about this matter, as of today, no new criminal allegations have been made to the Met regarding sexual offences said to have occurred within our jurisdiction,” the police stated. “We continue to urge anyone with new or relevant information to come forward. All allegations will be taken seriously and, as with any matter, any information received will be assessed and investigated where appropriate.”