Mandelson served as EU trade commissioner from 2004 to 2008 and was a senior figure in the U.K.’s Labour Party.
The European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) has opened an investigation into former EU Commissioner Peter Mandelson.
“OLAF can confirm the opening of an investigation on Mr Mandelson. However, as the investigation is ongoing, we cannot issue any further comment or statement,” a spokesperson told POLITICO on Friday.
The probe follows earlier scrutiny by the European Commission over whether Mandelson may have breached EU rules in connection with reported contacts with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Mandelson served as EU trade commissioner from 2004 to 2008 and was a senior figure in the U.K.’s Labour Party.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer recently dismissed the seasoned politician from a senior Foreign Office role following allegations of ties to Epstein, after appointing Mandelson as U.K. ambassador to the United States at the start of his mandate despite a failed security vetting, as reports revealed last week.
Mandelson previously said he was wrong to have continued his association with Epstein and apologized “unequivocally” to Epstein’s victims.