Story perspectives

Ex-MEP Nathan Gill Sentenced for Accepting Bribes

11/23/2025

Summary

Gill Sentenced for Bribery

Nathan Gill, former leader of Reform UK in Wales, was sentenced to 10.5 years in prison for accepting bribes to promote pro-Russian narratives while serving as a member of the European Parliament.
Gill admitted to eight counts of bribery and received around £40,000 from Ukrainian politician Oleg Voloshyn between December 2018 and July 2019.
Gill delivered scripted speeches and facilitated media access for pro-Russian figures.

Summary

Starmer Demands Investigation

Sir Keir Starmer, Labour Party leader, called for an investigation into Reform UK’s ties to Russia after Nathan Gill’s sentencing for accepting pro-Russian bribes.
Nathan Gill, former Reform UK leader in Wales, received about £40,000 from Oleg Voloshyn to promote pro-Russian narratives while an MEP.
The fallout drew accountability calls from multiple leaders, with concerns about Reform UK–Russia links unresolved.
Nigel Farage, a Reform UK figure, faced criticism but deflected to Labour Party issues.

History

Historical Context

The Bribery Act 2010, enacted on April 8, 2010, aimed to modernize the UK's anti-corruption laws, replacing outdated statutes from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This legislation emerged after decades of calls for reform, particularly following the OECD's criticism of the UK's inadequate bribery laws. Nathan Gill's recent sentencing for accepting £40,000 underscores ongoing enforcement challenges amid foreign influence concerns.

1 of 3

Gill Sentenced for Bribery

Nathan Gill, former leader of Reform UK in Wales, was sentenced to 10.5 years in prison for accepting bribes to promote pro-Russian narratives while serving as a member of the European Parliament.
Gill admitted to eight counts of bribery and received around £40,000 from Ukrainian politician Oleg Voloshyn between December 2018 and July 2019.
Gill delivered scripted speeches and facilitated media access for pro-Russian figures.

1 / 3