Former Brexit Party MEP Nathan Gill Admits to Accepting Bribes in Pro-Russian Influence Campaign
A former MEP for Nigel Farage's Brexit Party, Nathan Gill, has admitted to accepting bribes as part of a pro-Russian influence campaign in the European Parliament. Gill received thousands of pounds to give TV interviews and make speeches in support of a key Putin ally between December 2018 and July 2019. He pleaded guilty to eight counts of bribery and will be sentenced at the Old Bailey on Friday. Gill's involvement in the scheme was uncovered through WhatsApp messages with a Ukrainian individual named Oleg Voloshyn, a former member of the Ukraine Parliament for a pro-Russian party.
Gill's ties to Russia deepened as he received payments to host Putin's trusted associate in Ukrainian politics at the European Parliament in Strasbourg. Counter terror police discovered a message on Gill's phone indicating that he would be rewarded for organizing the event. Gill's actions were described as "peddling narratives beneficial towards Russian interests" by Scotland Yard. Despite his prominent role in the Brexit campaign in Wales, Gill's involvement in the bribery scandal has shocked many, including Nigel Farage, who condemned Gill's actions.
Gill's connections in Ukraine were facilitated by a Polish individual named Janusz Niedźwiecki, who is facing charges of spying for Russia. Gill's ties to UKIP began to fray in December 2018 when he followed Farage out of the party. Prosecutors found evidence of Gill's first offense around this time, with Voloshyn using codewords like "xmas gifts" and "post cards" to refer to cash in WhatsApp messages to Gill. Gill's involvement in promoting the interests of a Ukrainian oligarch connected to Putin through TV channels led to his acceptance of bribes and participation in pro-Russian activities in the European Parliament.
Over the course of seven months in 2018 and 2019, Gill and Voloshyn exchanged WhatsApp messages to arrange payments for Gill's support of Medvedchuk and the pro-Russian TV channels. Gill's actions included arranging a meeting with Medvedchuk at the European Parliament in July 2019, where a so-called peace plan involving talks between the Kyiv government and Russian-backed separatists was presented. Other MEPs were also asked to make supportive statements about Medvedchuk, with promises of combined payments for their cooperation.
The scandal involving Gill's acceptance of bribes as part of a pro-Russian influence campaign highlights the ongoing issue of Russian meddling in European politics. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding democratic values and national security against foreign interference. The investigation into Gill's actions underscores the need for vigilance in identifying and disrupting attempts to undermine these values.