Former Welsh Political Leader Jailed for Kremlin-Linked Corruption
A former Reform UK leader in Wales has been sentenced to 10-and-a-half years in prison after admitting to multiple counts of bribery for promoting pro-Russian viewpoints. Nathan Gill, who also served as a Member of the European Parliament, was apprehended at Manchester Airport in September 2021 while attempting to board a flight to Russia.
The Airport Arrest and Evidence Discovery
Counter-terrorism police intercepted Gill on 13 September 2021 under Schedule 3 of the Counter Terrorism and Borders Security Act. During his detention, officers raided his Anglesey residence, uncovering substantial evidence including electronic devices and stacks of cash totaling €5,000 and $5,000.
The investigation revealed Gill had been collaborating with Oleg Voloshyn, a pro-Russian Ukrainian politician. Their communication showed a clear pattern: Voloshyn would provide statements supporting Russian interests, and Gill would deliver them publicly, often verbatim, through media appearances and European Parliament speeches.
From 'Xmas Gifts' to Explicit Bribery
Initially, the pair used coded language, referring to payments as 'Xmas gifts' or 'postcards'. As their relationship developed, the discussions became more direct, with one message explicitly mentioning '£5k' for Gill's services.
One notable instance involved Gill appearing on 112 Ukraine, a television channel later banned for its pro-Russian stance. During his interview, he criticized Ukrainian authorities for investigating Viktor Medvedchuk, the channel's owner and a known associate of Vladimir Putin. Phone evidence confirmed Voloshyn had offered Gill €2,000 to express these specific concerns.
Dominic Murphy, head of the Met Police's Counter Terrorism Command, emphasized the severity of Gill's actions: 'This feels very much like a real effort to undermine democracy here.' He revealed Gill had also attempted to recruit other British MEPs into the scheme, though no additional individuals have been formally interviewed under caution.
Financial Motives and Political Fallout
While Gill demonstrated some pro-Russian sympathies, authorities concluded his primary motivation was financial gain. Investigators estimate he received at least £40,000 in illicit payments between December 2018 and July 2019.
Following his arrest, Gill provided no comment during police interviews in March 2022. He ultimately pleaded guilty to eight counts of bribery.
Reform UK condemned Gill's actions, describing them as 'reprehensible, treasonous and unforgivable.' Party leader Nigel Farage, while expressing shock, emphasized that 'any political party can find in their midst all sorts of terrible people' and welcomed further investigation into foreign influence in British politics.
Oleg Voloshyn, apprehended by US authorities in 2021, is currently believed to be in Russia and remains wanted by both British and Ukrainian officials.
