Peter Mandelson probed by EU anti-fraud office in fresh blow over Epstein

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The EU's anti-fraud office has launched a fresh probe into Peter Mandelson, who was sacked as UK ambassador to the US over his links to late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The European Anti-Fraud Office (Olaf) confirmed it recently had "sufficient information" to open an investigation, following a request from the European Commission two months ago.

Olaf was asked to look into allegations of misconduct during Mandelson's role as European trade commissioner from 2004 to 2008, including alleged exchanges with Epstein during that period.

A formal investigation has now begun, but the office said it was too early to say whether or not it involved allegations of fraud.
Olaf confirmed its mandate covers all four years involving staff and members of EU institutions.
However, emails also emerged from the 2010 eurozone crisis period, including claims Mandelson warned Epstein in advance of a €500bn (£434bn) bailout package agreed by EU governments to stop Greece's financial crisis spreading to other countries in the eurozone.

Mandelson has not commented on the allegations, but is understood to have denied any criminal wrongdoing and says he was not motivated by financial gain, the BBC reports.

Olaf said any evidence will now be reviewed, including digital "IT forensics" where possible, though it could not confirm whether new allegations have emerged since February.

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