Police investigation into Peter Mandelson and Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor could drag on for a year

Both the New Labour architect and former prince face allegations of passing confidential information to Epstein during their time at the zenith of the British establishment.

Last month, they were both briefly arrested and released on suspicion of misconduct in public office, an offence carrying a maximum life sentence.

As part of their inquiries, investigators had anticipated Washington would fast-track the release of pertinent emails.

Instead, an official with knowledge of the discussions indicated that American authorities appear to be playing "hardball" and that police are "not getting much traction" in their efforts.

Scotland Yard is leading the investigation into Peter Mandelson, while Thames Valley Police is handling allegations against Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.

Both men have denied any wrongdoing.

Obtaining the necessary documentation requires a formal mutual legal assistance request, a procedure typically taking approximately a year to complete.

Even after this lengthy process, there remains no certainty that the Department of Justice will hand over the materials.

One policing source explained: "The system can be cumbersome and take time. It can be difficult to get international requests expedited.

“There's also the possibility that the provision of documents might also be challenged in the courts by the defence," they told The Times.

The Epstein files suggest Lord Mandelson, during his tenure as Business Secretary, provided the financier with market-sensitive intelligence.

Documents indicate he allegedly shared a memo from Nick Butler, a senior adviser to Gordon Brown, during the 2009 financial crisis.

This memo reportedly discussed selling government assets to reduce bailout debts and potential tax reductions.

Further exchanges suggest the former Labour peer forwarded communications sent to Mr Brown's confidential Downing Street email address.

Shortly before Labour's 2010 election defeat, he was accused of confirming a planned €500billion eurozone bailout to Epstein.

The saga has brought intense scrutiny to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who was forced to sack the peer as ambassador to the US last year, just months after appointing him. Questions over the vetting process also led to resignations of key No10 staff.

Andrew faces scrutiny over his trade envoy activities, with files indicating he shared official reports from visits to Singapore, Hong Kong and Vietnam.

Lord Mandelson maintains he did not act for financial gain, while Andrew similarly denies any improper conduct during his tenure.

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