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Nathan Gill Sentenced to 10½ Years Over Pro-Russia Bribery Scheme
Background
Nathan Gill, 52, is a former Member of the European Parliament (MEP) and was once the leader of Reform UK in Wales. He also previously sat as a UKIP MEP and was affiliated with Nigel Farage’s Brexit Party.
Charges and Conviction
In September 2025, Gill pleaded guilty to eight counts of bribery.  The offences occurred between December 2018 and July 2019 — during his time as an MEP.
Prosecutors said he was paid by Oleg Voloshyn, a pro-Russian Ukrainian politician, to make public statements, deliver speeches in the European Parliament, and write media commentary that echoed pro-Russian views on the conflict in Ukraine.  Some of this commentary appeared on Ukrainian television, including the channel 112 Ukraine.
Police Investigation
Gill’s activities came to light after he was stopped at Manchester Airport in September 2021 while traveling to Russia, and counter-terrorism officers seized his phone. Messages on his phone showed detailed communication with Voloshyn, including payment arrangements, instructions for speeches, and even “scripted material” that Gill was asked to present as his own.  According to prosecutors, Gill also tried to recruit other MEPs for similar pro-Russian statements.
Sentence
At London’s Central Criminal Court (the Old Bailey), Mrs Justice Bobbie Cheema-Grubb handed Gill a 10½-year prison sentence.
In her remarks, she condemned his actions as “a grave betrayal of the trust vested in you by the electorate.”  She described the offending as sophisticated, highlighting that Gill “utilised scripted material presented as your own” and actively involved other MEPs in his scheme.
The judge also said that Gill’s conduct had “fundamentally compromised the integrity of a supranational legislative body” — a serious blow to public confidence in democratic institutions.
Financial Gain and Motivation
Court documents suggest he took around £40,000 in cash for his pro-Russian activities. According to prosecutors, his “primary motivation” was financial, though aspects of political gain were also present.
Aftermath and Reactions
• The Metropolitan Police Counter-Terrorism Command led the investigation.
• Security minister Dan Jarvis condemned Gill’s actions, stating that he had “used his privileged position … to advance the malign interests of Russia over those of the UK.”
• Reform UK, now distancing itself fully from Gill, said his behavior was “reprehensible, treasonous and unforgivable.”
• Gill’s defense accepted that this was a serious fall from grace. His barrister noted that he had previously had a “lifelong history of service” but described his bribery as a “venal compromise” of his principles.
Significance
• This case is being seen as a major red flag for foreign interference in UK politics.
• The fact that a sitting MEP was effectively paid to spread foreign propaganda raises serious questions about security, corruption, and the influence of foreign states within European institutions.
• There are growing calls for broader investigations into Reform UK’s ties and funding, particularly given Gill’s former high rank in the party.
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