The European Anti-Fraud Office has launched an investigation into Mendelson
The European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) has opened a formal investigation into the former EU Trade Commissioner and former British Ambassador to the United States on suspicion of corruption and serious misconduct. Investigators are examining the Labour lord’s activities during his tenure in Brussels from 2004 to 2008.
The Telegraph reports on the launch of an investigation into the politician’s ties to convicted financier Jeffrey Epstein.
OLAF officials are currently reviewing documents from the Epstein case to determine whether there was financial fraud or abuse of office during Mendelsohn’s time at the European Commission. After completing his term in the EU, he received a life peerage and returned to the British government, but his old ties to the American financier became the subject of an international investigation. Investigators are trying to determine whether these contacts influenced trade decisions or the transfer of funds.
The investigation into the British politician is part of a broader EU campaign to rid institutions of the influence of sanctioned individuals and corruption networks, in which Russia is often involved. Peter Mendelsohn has not yet commented on the opening of formal proceedings, though he has previously denied any wrongdoing. OLAF has the authority to investigate the use of EU budget funds even long after alleged violations have occurred. The results of the investigation could have serious consequences for the lord’s political career and the reputation of the British Labour Party.
Recall that British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that the country’s former ambassador to the U.S., Peter Mandelson, repeatedly misled his team regarding his relationship with financier Jeffrey Epstein, who was convicted of sex crimes.
Peter Mandelson decided to leave the Labour Party to avoid causing it “further embarrassment” following new documents linking him to Jeffrey Epstein. Files released by the U.S. Department of Justice suggest that Epstein may have sent the former British minister £75,000.
