Media: US blocks UK probe into ex-UK ambassador over Epstein files

A criminal investigation by the Metropolitan Police Service into ex-UK ambassador to US Peter Mandelson is facing major delays after the administration of Donald Trump declined to provide key evidence from files linked to Jeffrey Epstein.

According to reports, the United States Department of Justice has refused to hand over material voluntarily, insisting instead that British authorities submit a formal Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA) request, The Daily Telegraph writes.

The process, which governs international evidence-sharing, could take at least 18 months, significantly slowing the inquiry.

The investigation was launched after documents released by the DoJ suggested that Mandelson may have passed sensitive government information to Epstein during his time as business secretary under Gordon Brown.

He was arrested in London in February on suspicion of misconduct in public office and later released on bail after several hours of questioning.

Senior British officials, including Metropolitan Police Commissioner Mark Rowley, have reportedly pushed for faster cooperation. Efforts included direct engagement with US counterparts and a visit to Washington to request access to relevant material. However, those attempts have not yielded results, leaving investigators to proceed through formal legal channels.

US officials maintain that previously reviewed files do not justify further prosecutions. Todd Blanche, acting US attorney general, told CNN: “there was nothing in there that allowed us to prosecute anybody”.

Meanwhile, political pressure in Washington has been mixed. Melania Trump called for greater transparency, stating: “Now is the time for Congress to act. Epstein was not alone.” In contrast, President Trump has downplayed the issue, saying: “It’s really time for the country to get on to something else.”

The case carries political sensitivity in both countries. Trump previously acknowledged a past association with Epstein but has said it ended long before any criminal activity emerged.

British prosecutors are expected to require original evidence from US authorities before making any charging decisions. With additional material still redacted due to ongoing US investigations, the timeline for progress remains uncertain.

Current estimates suggest any prosecutorial decision in the Mandelson case may not come before 2028.

Mandelson, along with others named in related reports, denies any wrongdoing.

By Aghakazim Guliyev