WhatsApp messages revealed ex-Reform politician's pro-Russian bribes
2 days ago
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- #politics
- #Russia
- Nathan Gill, a former MEP for Nigel Farage's Brexit Party and leader of Reform UK in Wales, was jailed for taking bribes as part of a pro-Russian influence campaign.
- Gill admitted to receiving payments for making pro-Russian statements in TV interviews and European Parliament speeches between 2018 and 2019.
- WhatsApp messages revealed Gill's communications with Oleg Voloshyn, a Ukrainian linked to pro-Russian activities, discussing bribes referred to as 'xmas gifts' and 'post cards'.
- Gill was paid to host a key Putin ally in the European Parliament and to promote narratives beneficial to Russian interests.
- Prosecutors found evidence of Gill arranging meetings and speeches in support of Russian-backed Ukrainian TV channels, which were later shut down.
- Other MEPs, including Rupert Lowe and James Wells, attended events organized by Gill but claimed ignorance of the bribery.
- Voloshyn, sanctioned by the US and UK for undermining Ukraine, denied direct involvement of Moscow in the bribery scheme.
- Experts highlighted the effectiveness of Russian influence campaigns in Europe, with Gill's case being part of a broader pattern.
- Farage distanced himself from Gill's actions, condemning them and denying any involvement in pro-Russian activities.
- The case underscores ongoing concerns about Russian meddling in European politics and the need to safeguard democratic values.