Understand Your Rights. Solve Your Legal Problems
winecapanimated1250x200 optimize
UK Politics – Bribery & Foreign Influence

Reform UK's former Wales leader Nathan Gill Locked up for taking pro-Russian bribes

Reading Time:
2
 minutes
Posted: 21st November 2025
George Daniel
Last updated 21st November 2025
Share this article
In this Article

Gill, 52, pleaded guilty to eight counts of bribery between 6 December 2018 and 18 July 2019 in September.

The former head of Reform UK in Wales, Nathan Gill, has been locked up for 10 and a half years after admitting he pocketed tens of thousands of pounds in secret cash payments to pump out pro-Russian propaganda to the media and the European Parliament.

Mr Justice Cheema-Grubb told the 52-year-old that he had taken money in the “exchange for the improper execution of your public duties”, condemning the ex-MEP for betraying the public office he once held.

Gill, from Anglesey in North Wales, had already pleaded guilty in September to eight counts of bribery, covering a period between December 2018 and July 2019.

Pushing Past Cameras at the Old Bailey

Gill cut a grim figure as he forced his way through reporters and photographers on his way into the Old Bailey on Friday, refusing to answer questions as he was confronted by the media scrum.

Once inside, the court heard how Gill’s covert activities were directly tied to pro-Russian messaging about Ukraine, which he delivered during his time as a Member of the European Parliament.
Gill previously represented UKIP and later the Brexit Party.

Police: Gill Likely Took at Least £40,000

Counter-terrorism officers, who led the investigation, believe Gill accepted a minimum of £40,000 in cash bribes — and had even started offering access to other British MEPs who he suggested could also be approached and paid.

Detectives also told the court they believe individuals connected to this scheme had direct links to Vladimir Putin.

Bribery Scheme Uncovered After Airport Stop

Gill’s role in the operation only came to light when police uncovered WhatsApp messages after he was stopped at Manchester Airport on 13 September 2021.

He had been preparing to fly to Russia, where he intended to serve as an election observer.
Those recovered messages exposed his dealings with Oleg Voloshyn, a sanctioned pro-Russian figure and former Ukrainian government official.

The full scale of the bribery scheme was pieced together from the digital evidence seized that day — ultimately bringing Gill to the dock and ending his political career in disgrace.

👉 Breaking: AFGHAN CHILD RAPIST'S SHOCK U-TURN Guilty Plea Slashes 12-Year-Old Victim's Trauma – But Who Is The Second MAN Still Walking Free? 👈

Lawyer Monthly Ad
osgoodepd lawyermonthly 1100x100 oct2025
generic banners explore the internet 1500x300

JUST FOR YOU

9 (1)
Sign up to our newsletter for the latest Legal News Updates
Subscribe to Lawyer Monthly Magazine Today to receive all of the latest news from the world of Law.
skyscraperin genericflights 120x600tw centro retargeting 0517 300x250

About the Author

George Daniel
George Daniel has been a contributing legal writer for Lawyer Monthly since 2015, specializing in consumer law, family law, labor and employment, personal injury, criminal defense, class actions and immigration. With a background in legal journalism and policy analysis, Richard’s reporting focuses on how the law shapes everyday life — from workplace disputes and domestic cases to access-to-justice reforms. He is known for translating complex legal matters into clear, relatable language that helps readers understand their rights and responsibilities. Over the past decade, he has covered hundreds of legal developments, offering insight into court decisions, evolving legislation, and emerging social issues across the U.S. legal system.
More information
Connect with LM

About Lawyer Monthly

Lawyer Monthly is a consumer-focused legal resource built to help you make sense of the law and take action with confidence.

Follow Lawyer Monthly