Peter Mandelson, a former U.K. Ambassador to the United States, was arrested Monday on suspicion of misconduct in public office, Metropolitan Police confirmed. The arrest follows an investigation into allegations that Mandelson shared market-sensitive information with the late financier Jeffrey Epstein.
Officers led the 72-year-traditional Mandelson from his London home earlier in the afternoon and transported him to a London police station for questioning, according to the BBC. The Metropolitan Police had previously searched properties in Wiltshire and north London earlier this month as part of the criminal investigation.
The investigation was prompted by the release of emails by the U.S. Department of Justice, which raised concerns about potential improper disclosures by Mandelson while serving as business secretary under then-Prime Minister Gordon Brown. The specifics of the alleged offense have not been publicly detailed by the Metropolitan Police.
Mandelson has consistently maintained his innocence, asserting he has not acted criminally and was not motivated by financial gain, the BBC reported. He has not issued a public statement in recent weeks regarding the Epstein files.
The arrest of Mandelson comes days after Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, brother of King Charles III, was also arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, according to CNBC. The two arrests are separate investigations, though both involve scrutiny of individuals with ties to Jeffrey Epstein.
The former U.S. Ambassador was taken into custody as police continue to investigate his dealings with Epstein, a convicted sex offender. The investigation centers on whether Mandelson used his position to benefit Epstein in any way.
As of Monday evening, Mandelson remained in police custody, and the Metropolitan Police have not announced a timeline for the completion of their investigation.
