UK Investigation Into Andrew and Mandelson Over Epstein to Take Over a Year
Overview of the Ongoing Investigations
LONDON, June 4 (Reuters) - British authorities' investigations into King Charles' younger brother Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and Peter Mandelson, the former ambassador to the United States, will likely take over a year to complete, Britain's chief prosecutor said on Thursday.
Background on Arrests and Allegations
Mountbatten-Windsor and Mandelson were separately arrested in February following the release of millions of documents by the U.S. Department of Justice relating to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Neither have been charged with any criminal offence and both men have denied any wrongdoing, saying they regretted their association with Epstein.
Details of Mountbatten-Windsor Investigation
Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office, relating to the possible sharing of sensitive information with Epstein when he was special representative for trade and investment between 2001 and 2011.
Additional Allegations Against Mountbatten-Windsor
Police investigating Mountbatten-Windsor have also said they are assessing reports that a woman was taken to an address in Windsor in 2010 for sexual purposes.
Details of Mandelson Investigation
Mandelson, meanwhile, is under investigation following claims he leaked market-sensitive information to Epstein while a government minister during the financial crash.
Statements from Authorities
But Britain's Director of Public Prosecutions Stephen Parkinson told reporters in relation to Mandelson: "It is a case of some complexity and it would be wrong to focus on a single event or a single transaction."
He said: "I really don't think that anyone should expect an early resolution of the investigation.
"It would not be at all surprising if it took over a year, not because of any lack of urgency but because of the complexity and also the international dimension."
Parkinson added that the same issues and likely timescale also applied to the investigation into Mountbatten-Windsor.
(Reporting by Sam Tobin; editing by Michael Holden)
