Former UK ambassador to US arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office

Peter Mandelson, a former British ambassador to the United States who was fired from his post after his ties to Jeffrey Epstein emerged, was arrested in England on Monday on suspicion of misconduct in public office, authorities said.

London’s Metropolitan Police said “officers have arrested a 72-year-old man on suspicion of misconduct in public office” at an address in north London and has been taken to a police station to be interviewed.

Police did not name Mandelson, in keeping with British police practice, but the suspect in the case has previously been identified as Mandelson.

Mandelson was fired from his diplomatic post in September after materials were publicized revealing his links to Epstein.

Documents cited by Fox News Digital report Mandelson maintained contact with Epstein after his 2008 conviction on sex offenses involving minors, and that Epstein transferred about $75,000 in 2003 and 2004 to accounts connected to Mandelson or his husband.

Police opened a criminal probe when more details emerged in documents released by the U.S. Justice Department last month.

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Police are investigating Mandelson over documents suggesting he passed sensitive government information to Epstein a decade and a half ago. He does not face any allegations of sexual misconduct.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s decision to appoint Mandelson has resulted in one of the most serious crises of his premiership.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, right, talks with Britain’s ambassador to the United States Peter Mandelson during a welcome reception at the ambassador’s residence in Washington, on Feb. 26, 2025. (Carl Court/Pool Photo via AP)

Starmer has sought to contain the damage, saying he regrets the appointment and has apologized to the victims.

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Mandelson’s arrest comes four days after Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former Prince Andrew, was arrested on suspicion of a similar offense related to his friendship with Epstein.

Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, younger brother of Britain’s King Charles, formerly known as Prince Andrew, leaves Aylsham Police Station in a vehicle, following his arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office in Aylsham, Britain, Feb. 19, 2026. His arrest came after the U.S. Justice Department released more records tied to the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. (Reuters/Phil Noble)

Andrew was released after 11 hours in custody while the police investigation continues.

This is a developing news story check back for updates.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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