EU Fraud Watchdog OLAF Receives Referral to Investigate Peter Mandelson Following Epstein Files Revelations

European fraud watchdog OLAF receives a referral to investigate Peter Mandelson following new revelations regarding his past ties to Jeffrey Epstein.

By: AXL Media

Published: Feb 27, 2026, 3:13 AM EST

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Politico.

Formal Referral to the European Anti-Fraud Office

The European Anti-Fraud Office, commonly known as OLAF, has received a formal request to open an investigation into the conduct of Peter Mandelson during his time as the European Commissioner for Trade. This administrative referral stems from newly surfaced information and documents linked to the late Jeffrey Epstein, which suggest a higher frequency of interaction and logistical coordination than was previously disclosed. The move to involve OLAF signals an escalation from public curiosity to official institutional oversight, as the watchdog is tasked with protecting the financial interests and the integrity of the European Union’s executive branch.

At the heart of the referral is the question of whether Mandelson’s travel arrangements or professional activities were influenced by or entangled with Epstein’s private network. OLAF’s mandate allows it to investigate serious matters relating to the discharge of professional duties by members of EU institutions. While a referral does not automatically equate to a finding of guilt, it mandates a preliminary assessment by the agency to decide if a full scale investigation is warranted. This process will involve a meticulous review of Mandelson’s historical expense reports, calendars, and disclosure forms from his period in Brussels.

The Nature of the Surfaced Documents and Allegations

The pressure for an official inquiry intensified following reportage detailing flight logs and personal communications that suggest Mandelson visited Epstein’s properties more frequently than previously understood. These documents, often referred to as the Epstein files, have continued to provide a slow drip of information regarding the social circles of the financier. In Mandelson’s case, the scrutiny focuses on the period between 2004 and 2008 when he held significant power over European trade policy. Investigators are interested in determining if any EU resources were utilized during these trips or if the relationships posed a conflict of interest that should have been declared.

Mandelson has consistently maintained that his relationship with Epstein was purely social and that he was unaware of the financier’s criminal activities at the time. However, the formal referral to OLAF suggests that administrative critics believe there is enough smoke to justify a technical audit. T...