Reform UK's former Wales leader jailed for taking bribes for pro-Russia speeches
a day ago
- #ReformUK
- #corruption
- #Russia
- Nathan Gill, former leader of Reform UK in Wales, sentenced to 10.5 years for accepting bribes to make pro-Russia statements as an MEP.
- Gill pleaded guilty to eight counts of bribery, receiving at least £30,000 from Oleg Voloshyn, a former Ukrainian MP linked to Russia.
- Statements made by Gill aimed to support Kremlin narratives on Ukraine before Russia's 2022 invasion.
- Gill arranged for other MEPs to make pro-Russian statements, receiving bribes for his efforts.
- Judge condemned Gill for betraying public trust, stating his actions were a 'grave betrayal'.
- Reform UK denounced Gill's actions as 'reprehensible, treasonous, and unforgivable'.
- Questions raised about potential pro-Russia links within Reform UK, with calls for an independent investigation.
- Gill's collaboration with Voloshyn involved coded WhatsApp messages and payments for statements.
- Other MEPs, including Jonathan Arnott and David Coburn, visited Ukraine with Gill, making statements on a pro-Russian channel.
- Police believe Gill was motivated by financial need but also had sympathy for the positions he was bribed to support.
- Oleg Voloshyn, wanted for high treason in Ukraine, remains in Moscow and denies involvement in any conspiracy against the UK.
- Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey labeled Gill a 'traitor' and criticized Nigel Farage and Reform UK as a 'danger to national security'.