Sir Mark Rowley is travelling to Washington this week to push American officials to release unredacted documents from the Jeffrey Epstein files.
The trip follows discussions between the Metropolitan Police commissioner and United States ambassador Warren Stephens in February, during which the matter was reportedly raised.
British detectives are seeking access to correspondence involving Lord Peter Mandelson and Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor as part of ongoing misconduct in public office investigations into both men, The Times reports.
The US Department of Justice published millions of pages of Epstein-related material in January, portions of which revealed the extent of Lord Mandelson’s communications with the convicted sex offender.
Officers have already approached US authorities requesting additional information about the disclosed documents.
However, there are mounting concerns UK police may be forced to submit a formal mutual legal assistance request if US officials take a hard-line approach to the matter.
This legal process between the two nations typically takes around twelve months to complete. Even then, there is no certainty the Department of Justice will hand over the requested materials.
Scotland Yard is leading the inquiry into Lord Mandelson, whilst Thames Valley Police are heading the investigation into the former prince.
Sir Mark Rowley will travel to the United States
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GETTYAndrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Lord Peter Mandelson are seen wearing bathrobes seated alongside Jeffrey Epstein
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REUTERS
Both individuals face accusations of misconduct in public office, a criminal offence that carries a potential life sentence upon conviction.
Lord Mandelson was taken into custody on suspicion of misconduct in public office following allegations that he shared confidential government information with Epstein during his tenure as business secretary.
He was released on bail before having those conditions lifted, although the investigation remains active.
Emails from 2009 contained within the Epstein files appear to show Lord Mandelson forwarding an assessment from Nick Butler, a senior adviser to Gordon Brown, outlining potential policy measures such as selling government assets to reduce debt from bank bailouts.
Questions have been raised over whether Lord Mandelson shared market-sensitive information with Jeffrey Epstein
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US DOJAdditional correspondence suggests he discussed a proposed levy on bankers’ bonuses and apparently confirmed a €500billion eurozone rescue package to Epstein the day before its public announcement in 2010.
These communications were seemingly sent after Epstein had already been convicted of sex offences.
Lord Mandelson denies any wrongdoing and maintains he never acted for financial benefit.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is separately being investigated by Thames Valley Police over allegations of misconduct in public office.
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor has come under fire for his association with the disgraced financier
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REUTERSUS authorities had previously submitted a mutual legal assistance request to the Home Office seeking the former prince’s cooperation as a potential witness to Epstein’s criminal conduct.
The investigation centres on claims Andrew also passed sensitive state information to the disgraced financier.
Like Lord Mandelson, he faces accusations that could result in a life sentence if prosecutors secure a conviction and maintains his innocence.
Lord Mandelson lost his position as the UK’s ambassador to the US in September last year as a direct consequence of his connections to Epstein.
Keir Starmer has already been criticised for appointing Lord Mandelson, who had links to paedophile Jeffery Epsetin | PA
The release of the Epstein files has drawn sharp criticism from legal representatives acting for victims.
Jennifer Plotkin, of Merson Law, which represents more than 40 survivors, said numerous clients had been affected by the “US Government’s mishandling of the Epstein files release”.
While names of men accused of wrongdoing had been redacted, substantial portions of emails containing victims’ names and contact information were published without protection.
Ms Plotkin said Epstein’s relationships with high-profile figures such as Lord Mandelson raised questions about what they did “with their access to power, money and control”.