A report cited by UK outlets says former Labour minister Peter Mandelson was considered a “privileged contact” by Russian intelligence services in attempts described as aimed at manipulating UK politics over many years. The claims are attributed to a secret dossier compiled by former MI6 intelligence officer Christopher Steele, who is also known for compiling intelligence materials related to US politics, including work that became widely discussed in relation to Donald Trump.
According to the report referenced by The Canary and other coverage, the dossier, codenamed “Project Fish,” alleges that Mandelson had a long-standing relationship with Russian contacts that Russia could use for influence. The coverage says Steele compiled the material after leaving MI6 and that it draws on information gathered for intelligence purposes.
The articles present the allegations as claims contained in the dossier, rather than independently verified conclusions. No additional, detailed evidence or official findings are included in the excerpts provided, and readers are left with the assertion that the document characterizes Mandelson as a contact of interest to Russian services and their influence operations.
