Emails Show Epstein Funded Mandelson’s Husband After Jail

Published: 31 January 2026. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

Newly released emails from the United States Department of Justice suggest Jeffrey Epstein transferred significant sums to Reinaldo Avila da Silva after his prison release. The disclosures have reignited scrutiny of Epstein’s connections with senior political figures and raised further questions about judgement and accountability after his conviction.

The documents indicate that Epstein sent thousands of pounds to da Silva in bank transfers during late 2009 and 2010. At the time, da Silva was the long-term partner of Peter Mandelson, who later served as the United Kingdom’s ambassador to Washington. Mandelson was then a senior cabinet minister, holding the position of business secretary.

Epstein had been released from prison in July 2009 after serving 13 months of an 18-month sentence. He was convicted in Florida for soliciting prostitution from a minor and was registered as a sex offender. Despite the conviction, Epstein maintained relationships with influential figures across politics, business, and media.

The latest tranche of emails shows that da Silva contacted Epstein on 7 September 2009. In his message, da Silva asked for financial assistance to cover the costs of an osteopathy course. He outlined fees, equipment needs, and other expenses, suggesting Epstein could help with funding.

Da Silva explained that his annual course fee amounted to just over £3,200. He also mentioned the need for anatomical models and a laptop. The email included bank transfer details, indicating that the institution accepted direct payments for tuition costs.

Epstein replied later that same day and stated he would wire the requested loan amount immediately. The wording of the response suggested little hesitation. The following day, da Silva sought clarification about a £10,000 payment, asking whether it included school fees or separate transfers.

Epstein responded briefly, confirming that the amount included the fees. Shortly afterwards, Mandelson himself emailed Epstein, advising that any financial support should be structured as a loan. He wrote that this approach would avoid gift tax filing requirements.

On 17 September 2009, da Silva emailed Epstein again to confirm receipt of the funds. He thanked Epstein and said the money had arrived in his account that morning. The exchange indicates that the transfer occurred swiftly after the initial request.

Further correspondence shows that the financial relationship did not end there. In April 2010, da Silva again shared his bank details with Epstein. According to reporting later confirmed by the released emails, Epstein forwarded the message to his accountant with instructions to send additional funds.

One email shows Epstein directing his accountant to send $13,000. In another instruction, he asked for $2,000 per month to be sent to da Silva. These messages suggest an ongoing arrangement rather than a single payment.

The documents also reveal communication between Epstein and Mandelson around the same period. In an email dated 19 July 2009, Epstein suggested he had spent time with da Silva while still completing his sentence. Epstein’s incarceration included a controversial work-release programme.

Under that arrangement, Epstein was permitted to leave prison during the day to work at his office. He returned to jail at night, a provision that later drew widespread criticism. In the email, Epstein appeared frustrated that Mandelson had not contacted him directly.

Mandelson replied by explaining he had been preoccupied with official matters relating to Afghanistan. He thanked Epstein for speaking with da Silva and said the conversation had been beneficial. The tone of the message suggested familiarity and appreciation rather than distance.

Epstein responded by reassuring Mandelson of his continued availability. The exchange highlights the closeness of their communication during a period when Epstein had already been convicted of serious sexual offences.

Peter Mandelson was later forced to step down as the UK ambassador to the United States in 2019. His resignation followed revelations about his ongoing contact with Epstein and his interventions on Epstein’s behalf. Those disclosures sparked political controversy in Britain.

In a statement issued following the latest document release, Mandelson acknowledged serious errors in judgement. He said he was wrong to believe Epstein after his conviction and to continue associating with him. Mandelson offered an unequivocal apology to victims.

He stated that he was never culpable or complicit in Epstein’s crimes. Mandelson added that, like many others, he claimed to have learned the full truth only after Epstein’s death. However, he acknowledged that victims had known for years and were not believed.

Mandelson also expressed regret for being among those who trusted Epstein’s reassurances. He said that failure contributed to an environment where victims’ voices were ignored. Earlier this month, Mandelson had already issued a public apology for his association with Epstein.

The newly released emails suggest Mandelson and Epstein were in frequent contact over several years. Many messages were brief and informal, often referencing travel plans and locations. The volume of correspondence indicates a sustained relationship.

Previously released documents from the US House oversight committee revealed that Mandelson and Epstein remained in contact as late as 2016. That disclosure raised further concerns, given Epstein’s status as a convicted sex offender by that time.

Jeffrey Epstein died in a New York jail cell in August 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges. His death was ruled a suicide. It prompted widespread debate about failures within the justice system and the extent of his influence.

Since his death, courts and congressional committees have ordered the release of thousands of documents. The aim has been to shed light on Epstein’s network and the individuals who maintained relationships with him. Each release has brought renewed public scrutiny.

Legal experts have cautioned that appearing in emails does not automatically imply criminal wrongdoing. However, they note that the disclosures raise serious ethical and political questions. The issue centres on why relationships continued after Epstein’s conviction.

Campaigners for abuse survivors argue that the documents show how power and privilege insulated Epstein. They say financial support and social access allowed him to maintain legitimacy despite known convictions. For victims, these revelations remain deeply painful.

Reinaldo Avila da Silva has not publicly commented on the latest disclosures. He and Mandelson married in 2023 after being together for 27 years. At the time of the payments, Mandelson held one of the most senior roles in the UK government.

The British government has not issued a statement on the new files. Observers note that the controversy underscores the need for clearer boundaries between public officeholders and convicted offenders. It also raises questions about transparency and oversight.

As further documents are expected to emerge, attention remains focused on institutional accountability. The Epstein case continues to illustrate how influence can blur ethical lines. For many, the revelations serve as a reminder of systemic failure.

The financial links outlined in the emails add another dimension to a case already marked by secrecy and mistrust. They deepen concerns about how Epstein retained access to power. The long shadow of his crimes continues to shape public debate.