Former Brexit Party MEP Nathan Gill has pleaded guilty to eight counts of bribery for accepting payments to promote pro-Kremlin narratives while serving in the European Parliament.
Gill, once a leading figure in UKIP and Reform UK Wales, admitted to taking money from Oleg Voloshyn—a Ukrainian ex-MP sanctioned by the U.S. for ties to Russian intelligence. Between Dec 2018 and July 2019, Gill made parliamentary statements, posed questions, and organized events—all in support of Russian interests. Prosecutors say WhatsApp messages reveal a clear quid pro quo.
Gill’s pro-Russia activities included defending Ukrainian TV channels 112 Ukraine and NewsOne—linked to Putin ally Viktor Medvedchuk—and arranging for MEPs to appear on these platforms.
In one instance, Gill publicly supported Medvedchuk, who was facing high treason charges in Ukraine. Medvedchuk was later arrested and swapped in a prisoner exchange with Russia.
Gill’s actions came to light after he was stopped at Manchester Airport in 2021 under counter-terrorism laws. Devices seized from his home revealed incriminating communications with Voloshyn.
The court heard Gill was paid to make statements that would “benefit Russia regarding events in Ukraine.” Some of these statements were broadcast on Ukrainian media. Dominic Murphy, head of the Met’s counter-terrorism command, said Gill “peddled narratives” that undermined democratic values and national security.
Gill, a father of five, is expected to receive a prison sentence. His barrister acknowledged jail time is “inevitable.” Sentencing is scheduled for November. Welsh Labour has called on Nigel Farage to explain what he knew about Gill’s activities. Reform UK dismissed the criticism as “gutter politics.” Gill’s former aide, Llyr Powell, is now Reform UK’s candidate in the Caerphilly by-election. Labour says voters deserve to know what Powell knew about the bribery case.
This case raises serious questions about foreign influence in European politics—and the vulnerability of democratic institutions to covert manipulation. Nathan Gill’s fall from populist firebrand to convicted criminal is a cautionary tale.
The price of selling influence? Jail time—and a legacy in disgrace.