Former Reform UK leader in Wales gets decade-long jail sentence for accepting pro-Russia bribes

Nathan Gill, 52, had earlier admitted to 8 bribery charges covering period from Dec. 6, 2018, to July 18, 2019, when he was serving as member of European Parliament

By Ilayda Cakirtekin

ISTANBUL (AA) - Nathan Gill, former leader of Reform UK in Wales and member of the European Parliament, was sentenced to 10 and a half years in prison on Friday for accepting bribes to peddle a pro-Russia stance in the media.

Justice Cheema-Grubb said at the Old Bailey that Gill "abused a position of significant authority and trust" and was "motivated by financial and political gain," according to SkyNews.

Gill, 52, had earlier admitted to eight bribery charges covering the period from Dec. 6, 2018, to July 18, 2019, when he was serving as an MEP.

His actions were reportedly tied to pro-Russian remarks about Ukraine made during his time with the UK Independence Party (UKIP) and later the Brexit Party.

Counter-terrorism police said they believe Gill accepted at least £40,000 (about $52,335) in cash and sought to connect other British MEPs for potential bribery, adding that some individuals involved were believed to have direct links to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Gill’s pro-Russian activities, revealed in WhatsApp messages after his stop at Manchester Airport on Sept. 13, 2021, showed he was paid to deliver scripted statements and provide commentary to outlets.

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