Research Evidence: Mandelson's "Bounty" Comment

Document ID: `EFTA02436853` Date: September 2, 2009

Field | Value

:--- | :---

From | Peter Mandelson (Likely via BlackBerry)

To | Jeffrey Epstein

Subject | `Re: Fwd: Message from Reinaldo`

Key Phrase | `"So what's my share of the bounty, then?"`

Overview

This document contains perhaps the most damning, albeit likely sarcastic, comment from Peter Mandelson regarding Jeffrey Epstein's financial support of his partner. It confirms Mandelson was not only aware of the funding but viewed it as a collective benefit ("bounty").

Key Findings

1. The Fee Reduction

On September 2, 2009, Reinaldo writes to Epstein to correct a mistake:

"The sum I have to pay annually is of £3,225 which is for British student. The sum I was given before was for foreign students."

Context: Reinaldo had presumably quoted a higher "international student" rate initially. He realized he qualified for the lower "home" rate (likely due to his long-term residency/partnership with Mandelson in the UK). This saved Epstein money.

2. The "Bounty" Comment

Epstein immediately forwards this good news to Peter Mandelson (at 7:48 AM).

Mandelson replies (likely minutes later):

"So what's my share of the bounty, then?"

Interpretation:

* "Bounty": Referring specifically to the £6,000+ per year savings triggered by Reinaldo's domestic status in the UK.

* "My Share": Mandelson cynically jokes that since his relationship with Reinaldo is the reason Epstein is getting the "home student" discount, he (Mandelson) deserves a "cut" of the savings.

* Complicity: This confirms Mandelson didn't just know about the funding; he viewed his partner's status as a commercial asset that saved his benefactor money.

3. Timeline Placement

Sept 1: Reinaldo accepts the "education only" deal (Document `EFTA02436169`).
Sept 2 (This Doc): Reinaldo lowers the price quote; Mandelson jokes about the "bounty."
Sept 7: The final transfer is arranged for the requested amount (Document `EFTA02436699`).

Full Transcript (Formatted)

From: Avila da Silva, Reinaldo
To: Epstein, Jeffrey
Date: September 2, 2009 (6:01 AM)

Dear Jeffrey,

Hope you're well!

I sent you an email yesterday and wanted to rectify an error regarding the annual fee for the osteo course.

The sum I have to pay annually is of £3.225 which is for British student. The sum I was given before was for foreign students.

Just so you know.

Best

Reinaldo

From: Epstein, Jeffrey
To: Mandelson, Peter
Date: September 2, 2009 (7:48 AM)

[Forwarding Reinaldo's email]

From: Mandelson, Peter
To: Epstein, Jeffrey
Date: September 2, 2009 (Undated Reply)

So what's my share of the bounty, then?

[Sent from BlackBerry]