Peter Mandelson and Jeffrey Epstein: Financial Transactions Revealed
Recent disclosures from the US Department of Justice’s release of Jeffrey Epstein files have brought renewed scrutiny to the relationship between the convicted sex offender and Peter Mandelson, the UK’s former Business Secretary and Ambassador to the United States. The documents reveal thousands of pounds in bank transfers from Epstein to Reinaldo Avila da Silva, Mr. Mandelson’s husband, following Epstein’s release from prison in 2009.
The Financial Transactions
Emails released on Friday show a series of communications between Epstein and Avila da Silva. On September 7, 2009, approximately two months after Epstein’s release from a 13-month sentence for soliciting prostitution from a minor, Avila da Silva emailed Epstein requesting financial assistance for an osteopathy course. He detailed expenses including tuition fees (£3,225), anatomical models, and a laptop.
Epstein promptly responded, stating he would “wire your loan amount immediated’y [sic].” The following day, Avila da Silva inquired about a £10,000 payment, clarifying whether it included his school fees or was a direct transfer to the institution. Epstein confirmed the inclusion of the fees.
Notably, Mandelson himself emailed Epstein, advising, “Remind him that to avoid a gift-tax filing it must be a loan.” This suggests an awareness of potential tax implications and an attempt to structure the payments as a loan rather than a gift.
Continued Financial Support
Further emails reveal continued financial support from Epstein. In April 2010, Avila da Silva shared his bank details, prompting Epstein to instruct his accountant to send $13,000 initially, followed by $2,000 per month to Avila da Silva.
Epstein’s Prison Release and Initial Contact
An email from Epstein dated July 19, 2009, indicates a meeting with Avila da Silva while Epstein was nearing the end of his prison sentence. Epstein wrote, “you didn’t call me ,„ i spent an hour with rinaldo.. call me tomorrow.. at office.” Mandelson responded, acknowledging the meeting and expressing gratitude, stating it “did him (therefore me) a lot of good.” He also admitted his inability to discuss the matter with Avila da Silva, noting his reluctance to listen.
Mandelson’s Apology
Peter Mandelson has publicly apologized for his association with Epstein, stating he was “wrong to believe Epstein following his conviction and to continue my association with him afterwards.” He expressed unequivocal apologies to the women and girls who suffered at Epstein’s hands, while maintaining his innocence of any complicity in Epstein’s crimes. He stated he only learned the full extent of Epstein’s crimes after his death.
These latest revelations, stemming from the ongoing release of the Epstein files, continue to raise questions about the extent of Epstein’s network and the relationships he cultivated with prominent figures. For more information on the Epstein case, you can refer to The Guardian’s coverage of the Epstein case and the BBC’s reporting on Jeffrey Epstein.
