Reform UK Faces Scrutiny After Former MEP Jailed for Accepting Russian Funds
LONDON – Calls are mounting for Nigel Farage to investigate potential Russian links within Reform UK after Nathan Gill, a former Member of teh European Parliament (MEP) for Plaid Cymru who later joined Reform, was jailed today for receiving €5,000 from a Russian operative.Gill was convicted of accepting illicit payments in exchange for providing interviews to a russian-linked media outlet.
The case raises questions about due diligence within Reform UK and whether the party is vulnerable to foreign influence,especially as it gains traction in upcoming elections. Gill enlisted the help of several MEPs representing regions across England – the north-east, north-west, and south-west - to participate in interviews for 112 Ukraine, a platform linked to Russian interests, according to court findings.
Gill, 44, was sentenced after evidence emerged from WhatsApp messages recovered following his arrest at Manchester airport in September 2021, where he stated he was travelling to Russia to observe Duma elections. The messages, initially using coded language like “xmas presents” and “gifts,” detailed a “regular habit” of payments from Russian national Alexey Voloshyn, who explicitly offered Gill ”5k” for his cooperation.
The judge presiding over the case clarified that the prosecution did not argue the MEPs involved were aware of the financial arrangement, noting Voloshyn described Gill’s work as “outstanding.” despite the conviction, Voloshyn, in a statement to The Guardian following the sentencing, claimed the verdict was “totally unfair” and that neither he nor Gill conspired against UK legislation or security.
Police seized €5,000 and thousands of dollars from Gill’s home, but the full extent of the funds received remains unclear. Arnott, another individual connected to the case, has denied any links to Russia or acting in its interests. Attempts to contact Coburn have been made.
