The former leader of Reform UK in Wales, and a former close associate of Nigel Farage, has been sentenced to prison for accepting bribes from Russia while serving as a member of the European Parliament. Nathan Gill, 52, pleaded guilty to eight counts of bribery for receiving payments to deliver prepared speeches and promote a pro-Russian agenda on television during his tenure as an MEP. The disgraced former UKIP and Brexit Party politician accepted the funds from businessman Oleg Voloshyn, identified as a “pawn” of the Russian security services by the US government, as revealed in court at the Old Bailey.
Counterterrorism officers uncovered incriminating WhatsApp messages exchanged between Gill and Voloshyn, exposing their illicit activities following Gill’s detention at Manchester Airport in 2021. Sentencing him to 10-and-a-half years in prison, Judge Mrs. Justice Cheema-Grubb condemned Gill’s actions as a “serious betrayal” of those who entrusted him with their votes.
The judge remarked, “You exploited your significant role and trust by engaging in criminal activities over eight months, driven by financial and political motives. Your offenses were intricate, accepting payments from foreign individuals and making public statements on critical international matters at their behest.”
The court also heard that Gill promised to bring other Brexit Party MPs to an event hosted by Victor Medvedchuk, a close ally of Vladimir Putin, whom he publicly supported.
Reacting to the sentencing, Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey denounced Gill’s actions, calling for a thorough probe into Russian interference in UK politics. Armed forces minister Al Carns demanded a comprehensive investigation within Reform UK, labeling Gill’s behavior as “shameful” and emphasizing the need to eradicate any Russian influence in British politics.
Prosecutor Mark Heywood KC informed the court of a series of messages dating back to September 2018, showing Gill’s agreement to facilitate introductions in the European Parliament and enlist support from several MEPs in exchange for financial rewards. Heywood highlighted the agreements made to act in a specified manner or script for monetary compensation, with Voloshyn referring to the payments as “Xmas gifts” in their communications.
Described as operating at the “highest category” of culpability, Gill’s actions were deemed particularly egregious by the prosecution, who emphasized the breach of trust considering his role as a member of a supranational parliament representing multiple nations.
Gill, who served as a UKIP and later Brexit Party MEP from 2014 to 2020, previously led UKIP in Wales while Farage was the party’s national leader. Reform UK’s current leader denounced Gill’s misconduct, expressing shock at his admission of guilt. Gill briefly led Reform UK Wales in 2021 but is no longer affiliated with the party.
Following the sentencing, Security Minister Dan Jarvis condemned Gill for prioritizing Russia’s interests over those of the UK, characterizing his actions as a betrayal of national security. Jarvis underscored the government’s commitment to combating foreign interference, particularly from hostile states like Russia.
A spokesperson for Reform UK denounced Gill’s actions as treacherous and irredeemable, welcoming the verdict handed down to him. Peter Wright KC, Gill’s defense counsel, acknowledged the gravity of his client’s offenses and the breach of trust involved, emphasizing Gill’s remorse and the lack of involvement of any prominent party figures in the illicit dealings.
Gill, hailing from Anglesey, North Wales, used a parliamentary speech in 2018 to defend Ukrainian TV channels linked to Vladimir Putin ally Viktor Medvedchuk. He made supportive contributions to these channels and publicly endorsed Medvedchuk, who was facing legal proceedings for treason.
Additionally, Gill arranged for MEPs to engage with Ukrainian media outlets associated with Voloshyn’s wife, in exchange for bribes. The court proceedings revealed Gill’s illicit activities through WhatsApp messages discovered during his airport detainment under counterterrorism laws.
Commander Dominic Murphy, head of the Met’s counterterrorism command, emphasized the investigation’s significance in uncovering an elected official promoting narratives beneficial to Russian interests. He reaffirmed the commitment to safeguarding democratic values and national security against any threats or interference posed by foreign entities.
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