Nathan Gill, the former leader of Reform UK in Wales, has appeared in Westminster Magistrates’ Court facing serious allegations of bribery connected to statements made in the European Parliament that purportedly benefitted Russia. Gill, 51, hailing from Llangefni on Anglesey, is charged with eight counts of bribery and one count of conspiracy to commit bribery.

During the court proceedings, it was revealed that Gill is accused of having received payments from Oleg Voloshyn, a former Ukrainian politician, in exchange for making statements that aligned with a narrative favourable to Russia regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The charges include claims that Gill made various statements in the European Parliament and published opinion pieces in news outlets, including 112 Ukraine, which supported this particular agenda.

The lawyer representing the Crown Prosecution Service outlined that Gill had entered into a professional arrangement with Voloshyn, which involved him providing these statements for financial gain. Gill’s involvement is alleged to have begun prior to the United Kingdom’s exit from the European Parliament on January 31, 2020, during his tenure as a MEP from 2014 to 2020.

The court was informed that Gill was detained at Manchester Airport on September 13, 2021, under the Counter Terrorism and Border Security Act 2019. His mobile phone was confiscated during this incident, which reportedly unveiled evidence suggesting a financial arrangement in accordance with his activities as an MEP.

At the hearing, Gill confirmed only his name, date of birth, and address without entering a plea. He has been granted bail under several conditions, including the surrender of his passport, a prohibition on obtaining international travel documents, and no contact with Voloshyn. He is scheduled to appear at the Old Bailey on March 14.

Gill’s political career has included various positions; he was elected as a member of the European Parliament twice—initially with UKIP, then during his tenure with the Brexit Party. He also served in the Welsh Parliament for a brief period after being elected in 2016, before leaving the Senedd in December 2017. His recent role as leader of Reform UK Wales concluded prior to these allegations surfacing.

A spokesperson for Reform UK clarified that Gill is no longer affiliated with the party. The ongoing legal proceedings have sparked considerable interest, particularly given the potential implications surrounding political integrity and the influence of foreign interests in domestic politics.

Source: Noah Wire Services