Bank statements released by the US Department of Justice suggest that Jeffrey Epstein made a total of $75,000 (£55,000) worth of payments to accounts connected to Lord Mandelson between 2003 and 2004.
These payments are detailed in newly released documents, marking the largest set of records shared since a law was passed mandating their disclosure. According to the records, Epstein transferred three separate payments of $25,000, all referencing Lord Mandelson directly.
Lord Mandelson has asserted that he has no recollection of these payments and questioned their authenticity. He reiterated his regret for ever associating with Epstein, especially following the financier's conviction, and apologized to the victims.
Among the documents released were previously unseen photographs of Mandelson, including an image of him in his underwear alongside an unidentified woman, which he claims he cannot recall.
The payments to Mandelson were made from Epstein's accounts at JP Morgan and show that he was named both as a beneficiary and in direct connection to the accounts of Mandelson's partner at the time. It remains unclear if these funds ever reached the specified accounts.
In the wake of these revelations, Mandelson faced scrutiny over his ties with Epstein, particularly after continued communication after Epstein's conviction for sex trafficking. He was eventually dismissed from his role as the UK ambassador to the US due to undisclosed contacts with Epstein.
During various interviews, Lord Mandelson described his association with Epstein as a mistake and addressed the implications of these findings on his political career.
