UK: Mandelson rented flat from oil tycoon in coup claim

[muriel_volestrangler]

A lot of this story is supposition and connections which don't actually prove anything, but the clash of so many famous names who have skeletons in their closet is irrestibible - Mandelson, Robinson, Calil, Archer, Abacha, Obiang Nguem Mbasogo, Mann, Mark Thatcher ...

http://observer.guardian.co.uk/politics/story/0,6903,1273812,00.html

Peter Mandelson, the twice-sacked minister who is to be Britain's new European Commissioner, rented a luxury London home from the Lebanese millionaire now accused of funding an illegal African coup.
...
The fair market rent for the apartment in one of London's most sought-after areas would have been around £2,000 a month. When Mandelson originally rented the apartment he was earning £47,000 a year as a backbench MP. If the former minister had paid less than the going rate he would have had to declare any such 'gift' in the register of members' interests.
...
Mandelson refused to answer detailed questions on his relationship with Calil, the millionaire oil trader who was born in Nigeria. Calil's rise to enormous wealth is shrouded in mystery and controversy. He remains a friend of Lord Archer, who he still sees for dinner.
...
New documents suggest Thatcher had financial ties with Mann. A letter written by Mann and smuggled out of his prison cell in Zimbabwe shows that Mann was expecting Thatcher to make a $200,00 investment in a 'project', although he does not specify what project.

[struggle4progress]

1. kick

:kick: