Mandelson faces questioning over 'link' to coup plot

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The Times
By Daniel McGrory



PETER MANDELSON may be questioned by Scotland Yard over his alleged knowledge of a plot to overthrow an African head of state. The former Labour minister and Jeffrey Archer are among nine Britons named in an inquiry by the Government of Equatorial Guinea.

Senior detectives are investigating claims by ministers from the oil-rich West African state that this plot was largely planned and financed in Britain. A police team is also making arrangements to visit the capital, Malabo, to question some of the coup leaders.

Documents seen by The Times allege that Mr Mandelson was contacted by the London-based businessman Eli Calil, who the African state claims was one of the “principle (sic) instigators” of the botched coup in March.

Officials in Malabo refuse to say where they obtained their information on Mr Mandelson, nor will they reveal all their alleged evidence from their eight-month inquiry.
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