The EU’s anti-fraud agency has launched an investigation into Peter Mandelson over his time as the bloc’s trade commissioner.
The European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) confirmed on Friday that it had begun an inquiry into Britain’s former US ambassador.
It comes weeks the European Commission asked the agency to look into Mandelson after further information about his ties to Jeffrey Epstein emerged.
“OLAF can confirm the opening of an investigation on the case that you refer to. However, as the investigation is ongoing, OLAF cannot issue any further comment,” it said via email on Friday.
Mandelson served as the European Commissioner for Trade between 2004 and 2008, before he resigned to join Gordon Brown’s cabinet as business secretary.
Police in the UK are investigating Mandelson’s contact with Epstein during his time in Mr Brown’s government, after he documents released in the Epstein files appeared to show him sharing market-sensitive emails with the disgraced financier.
Mandelson’s legal representatives did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
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