The former leader of Reform UK in Wales has been sentenced to 10 and a half years in prison after admitting accepting bribes to deliver pro-Russia speeches and media interviews.
Nathan Gill, 52, from Llangefni on Anglesey, is believed to have received up to £40,000 to assist pro-Russian politicians operating in Ukraine. Gill was serving as a Member of the European Parliament at the time of the offences.
The Old Bailey heard that the payments came from Oleg Voloshyn, 44, who has previously been described by the US government as a “pawn” of Russian intelligence services. Voloshyn was said to be acting on behalf of Viktor Medvedchuk, a 71-year-old former oligarch and close associate of Vladimir Putin.
Sentencing Gill, Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb said he had abused his public position and undermined trust in democratic institutions. Gill is the first elected politician to be jailed under the UK’s Bribery Act.
The Metropolitan Police said investigations were continuing into whether any other individuals may have committed offences.
Reform UK said it welcomed the sentence, describing Gill’s behaviour as “reprehensible, treasonous and unforgivable”.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer accused Gill of “undermining our interests as a country” and urged Reform leader Nigel Farage to examine whether the party had any further links to Russia.
