Ex-Reform politician admits Russia-linked bribery charges

**Former Reform UK Leader Nathan Gill Pleads Guilty to Bribery Charges Over Pro-Russia Statements**

Nathan Gill, the former leader of Reform UK in Wales and ex-member of the European Parliament (MEP), has pleaded guilty to multiple bribery charges linked to making statements in favor of Russia while holding elected office.

Gill, 52, from Llangefni on Anglesey, admitted to eight counts of bribery occurring between 6 December 2018 and 18 July 2019. However, he denied one charge of conspiracy to commit bribery.

The charges allege that Gill made statements in the European Parliament supporting a narrative that would benefit Russia concerning events in Ukraine. In addition to parliamentary statements, he published opinion pieces to news outlets, including 112 Ukraine, expressing pro-Russian views.

According to court documents, Gill, as an elected MEP for the Wales constituency, “agreed to receive financial advantage, namely money,” which amounted to “the improper performance” of his elected role. It was revealed that Ukrainian Oleg Voloshyn, a former member of the Ukrainian parliament representing the pro-Russian Opposition Platform for Life party, allegedly instructed Gill on at least eight occasions to make specific statements in exchange for payment. Evidence included WhatsApp messages exchanged between the two men.

The conspiracy to commit bribery charge suggested that Gill conspired with Voloshyn and others between 1 January 2018 and 1 February 2020. During this time, he is accused of accepting large sums of cash as part of this improper performance of his duties as an MEP.

Prosecutor Mark Heywood described the guilty pleas as “satisfactory,” noting that the bribery charges accurately reflected the criminal conduct. As a result, the conspiracy charge was agreed to be left on file.

These charges came to light after Gill was stopped at Manchester Airport on 13 September 2021 under the Counter Terrorism and Border Security Act 2019.

Speaking on behalf of Gill, defence barrister Peter Wright acknowledged the seriousness of the case, stating: “It is recognised that it is inevitable that the defendant will receive an immediate sentencing to prison.”

Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb, presiding over the case, declared, “This is a serious matter.” She confirmed that Nathan Gill had admitted to asking questions, making statements, and engaging in activities supporting pro-Russian parties in the European Parliament while being paid to do so.

Gill is scheduled to be sentenced in November. His defence expects a custodial sentence.
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