British authorities have arrested Peter Mandelson, a former United Kingdom ambassador to the United States, in connection with an expanding criminal investigation linked to his relationship with the late convicted sex offender, Jeffrey Epstein.

‎Mr Mandelson was arrested on Monday.

‎The 72-year-old is being detained by the UK Metropolitan Police in north London’s Camden area on suspicion of misconduct in public office and charges tied to the alleged sharing of sensitive government information with Mr Epstein, a convicted sex offender and paedophile, while Mr Mandelson was a senior government officer.

‎Mr Mandelson’s connection to the late Mr Epstein was exposed last month after the U.S. Justice Department released email exchanges between both men.

‎The emails revealed a closer relationship between Mr Mandelson and Mr Epstein, as they showed that while the 72-year-old former diplomat was in office, he had been sharing sensitive information with Mr Epstein.

‎Following the release of these emails by the U.S. Justice Department, Mr Mandelson quit his position in parliament’s upper chamber.

‎Mr Mandelson, who expressed regret for his association with the late Mr Epstein, has not commented publicly on the matter.

‎He remains under investigation as detectives review evidence and consult prosecutors on whether charges will be filed.