Nathan Gill, former leader of Reform UK in Wales, received a 10-and-a-half year sentence after admitting he accepted Russian bribes to promote Kremlin propaganda. The 52-year-old ex-MEP pleaded guilty to eight counts of bribery. He made pro-Russian statements in the European Parliament and on Ukrainian television between December 2018 and July 2019.
The sentencing at the Old Bailey on Friday has triggered demands for a full investigation into Russian interference in British politics, with opposition parties questioning the extent of foreign influence within Reform UK and Nigel Farage's inner circle.
Gill received at least £40,000 in cash from Oleg Voloshyn, a pro-Russian Ukrainian official. Voloshyn acted on behalf of Viktor Medvedchuk, a Ukrainian oligarch and close Putin ally.
Counter-terrorism police uncovered the scheme when they stopped Gill at Manchester Airport on September 13, 2021, as he attempted to fly to Russia.
Officers seized his phone and uncovered WhatsApp messages that disguised bribes as "xmas gifts," "postcards," and payments of "5K."
Political Fallout
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said: "A traitor was at the very top of Reform UK, aiding and abetting a foreign adversary." He added: "Nigel Farage and his party are a danger to national security. We need a full investigation into Russian interference in our politics."
Armed forces minister Al Carns demanded that Farage "must urgently initiate an independent investigation into every inch of Reform UK's party structures, membership, donors, and representatives." He added: "He must leave no stone unturned in this investigation."
Plaid Cymru's Westminster leader Liz Saville Roberts said: "If the former Reform UK leader in Wales was part of a broader, co-ordinated effort to advance Moscow's agenda within our democratic institutions, then the public deserves to know the full truth, and how far Russian money and influence reached into Nigel Farage's inner circle."
Judicial Condemnation
Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb told Gill the harm he caused was "profound" and that he had "fundamentally compromised" the integrity of a legislative body for "substantial" financial gain. She said: "When you say what someone has paid you to say you are not speaking with sincerity."
Security minister Dan Jarvis stated: "Nathan Gill used his privileged position in public office to advance the malign interests of Russia over those of the UK in exchange for money – that is a betrayal of our country, our people, and our national security."
Commander Dominic Murphy, head of the Metropolitan Police Counter Terrorism Command, warned that Moscow's attempts to influence British politics are widespread. He described Gill as an "extraordinarily willing participant" whose actions posed a "threat to national security."
The Bribery Scheme
Gill served as an MEP from 2014 to 2020, first for UKIP and then the Brexit Party. During his final two years in the European Parliament, he accepted payments to deliver scripted pro-Russian speeches and recruit other MEPs to the cause.
Prosecutor Mark Heywood KC told the court that Voloshyn praised Gill's work, messaging him after one debate: "Impressive… you are the perfect orator."
Gill attempted to recruit other MEPs, telling Voloshyn he could "drag a few in to attend" events. Voloshyn responded: "I already have a small sack of paper gifts for you."
The bribes funded statements supporting Medvedchuk. Ukraine prosecuted Medvedchuk for treason before Russia exchanged him in 2022. Putin is godfather to Medvedchuk's daughter.
Police searched Gill's Anglesey home and found €5,000 and $5,000 in cash.
The FBI had earlier provided intelligence after finding messages to Gill on Voloshyn's phone.
Reform UK Response
Reform UK condemned Gill's actions in a statement: "Mr Gill's actions were reprehensible, treasonous and unforgivable. We are glad that justice has been served and fully welcome the sentence Nathan Gill has received."
Farage, the Reform UK MP for Clacton, called Gill a "bad apple" and said he was "shocked" after his former colleague's guilty plea. He said: "Any political party can find in their midst all sorts of terrible people. You can never, ever guarantee 100% that everyone you meet in your life, you shake hands with in the pub, is a good person."
Police confirmed they did not investigate Farage. Gill is no longer a member of Reform UK, having left the party shortly after failing to win a seat in the 2021 Welsh Parliament elections.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
