Punished 10 years in prison after admitting to drinking it bribes to make pro-Russian statements both to the European Parliament and to Ukrainian media. A nail-biting sentence Nathan Gill, 52 years oldformer leader English Reformation in Wales – party Nigel Farage is currently leading the UK election – providing a glimpse into Moscow’s propaganda activities which have made inroads in Western countries.
Judge Bobbie Cheema-Grubbuttering sentences at the Old Bailey, London Criminal Court, He noted that Gill “abused enormous authority and trust” for “financial and political gain.” At least the former member of the European Parliament has accepted £40,000 cash and offered to introduce other British MPs to his pro-Russian contacts, so that they could be bribed.
For the judge, the harm caused by Gill’s conduct was “profound” and had a negative impact on public trust in an institution important to “tens of millions of people”. This was not an “isolated incident” but rather a “continuous action”. Prohibited activities are contained within a period between December 2018 and July 2019. Gill pleaded guilty last September eight counts of corruption. This was a major blow to Britain’s populist current: Gill was one of Farage’s old guard, so he took on the role of MEP with UKIP and the Brexit Party and later became head of the English Reformation in Wales, until his resignation in 2021.
The investigation is being followed by the anti-terrorism department and prosecutor Mark Heywood KCwhich reveals the relationship between MEP and Ukraine Oleg Volosyn: the last one is a government official with Prime Minister Viktor Yanuchovich and in 2023 it happened accused of treason by the Kiev government for “promoting the political-military leadership of the Russian Federation in subversive activities against Ukraine”. For judge Bobbie Cheema-Grubb, Voloshyn played a key role in paying bribes to MEPs on behalf of Victor Medvedchukdescribed by the judge as “Vladimir Putin’s close friend”. “Mr Voloshyn requested your participation in statements in the European Parliament and in the media, and you received compensation. The statement was provided a narrative that serves Russia’s interests in Ukraine. It was a period of great turmoil in Ukraine, and a prelude to a full-blown Russian invasion in 2022.” The judge also reminded Gill: “On 12 December 2018, you gave a parliamentary speech, criticizing Alleged anti-democratic practices in Ukraine and suppression of press freedom. Ironically, the speech was carefully written by Voloshyn and he was credited with distributing it verbatim. Next, he shared a video of his speech with Voloshyn, who praised his speech and he replied: ‘V should be satisfied with this 3 times more than he thought,’ alluding to Victor Medvedchuk.”
That September 13, 2021Gill is stopped by the police at Manchester Airport in accordance with the provisions of the Counter Terrorism and Border Security Act 2019. His interest in pro-Russian parties also emerged from a series of messages on WhatsApp. Gill that day he was about to board a plane to Russia where he will serve as an observer during the election cycle.
The article Former MEP loyal to Farage sentenced to 10 years: “Paid for statements favorable to Russian interests in Ukraine” is from Il Fatto Quotidiano.
