Brussels, 4 February 2026
The current British allegations of abuse of office levelled at former European Commissioner Peter Mandelson are egregious and severe. Their extent warrants an immediate investigation by both the European Commission and European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) into Mandelson’s links to convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, to establish whether he may have engaged in similar impropriety at EU level.
Mandelson has been accused of leaking government and market-sensitive information to Epstein while a UK government minister. It is also alleged he received payments from Epstein during this time. If linked, this would constitute a textbook case of corruption: abuse of function for personal gain at the highest level.
Nick Aiossa, Director at Transparency International EU said:
“Given the severity of allegations concerning Peter Mandelson’s deplorable relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, the European Commission and European Anti-Fraud Office must pursue an immediate investigation to establish any potential misconduct both during and beyond his tenure as European Commissioner. Should it do so, Mandelson must be stripped of his Commissioner’s pension.”
The Commission has recently shown it can deliver accountability where unethical conduct is established. It should continue on this path.
