Former leader of Reform UK in Wales, Nathan Gill, is set to deny allegations of accepting bribes from Russia to make favourable statements about the country in the European Parliament. Gill, aged 51, faces eight counts of bribery and one count of conspiracy to commit bribery. The accusations claim that Gill made statements in the European Parliament and to media outlets such as 112 Ukraine, promoting a narrative beneficial to Russia regarding events in Ukraine. The prosecution alleges that Oleg Voloshyn tasked Gill on multiple occasions to make specific statements in exchange for money.
During a preliminary hearing at the Old Bailey in London, Gill’s lawyer, Clare Ashcroft, indicated that he plans to contest the charges. However, no formal pleas have been entered yet. Prosecutor Mark Heywood KC informed the court that the charges are related to Gill’s tenure as a member of the European Parliament. Charges have also been authorised against Gill’s alleged co-conspirator, Voloshyn, who is believed to be outside the jurisdiction. The court set a plea hearing for July 18 and a tentative trial date before a High Court judge starting June 29, 2026, at the Old Bailey.
Gill, hailing from Anglesey, North Wales, appeared in court wearing a blue striped tie and a grey suit. He only spoke to confirm his identity during the proceedings. At the conclusion of the hearing, Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb granted bail to Gill under previous conditions, which include surrendering his passport, refraining from obtaining international travel documents, and avoiding contact with Voloshyn. The charge of conspiracy to commit bribery suggests that Gill conspired with Voloshyn and others between January 1, 2018, and February 1, 2020.
Allegations of improper acceptance of cash payments while serving in the European Parliament surface in the bribery offences dated between December 6, 2018, and July 18, 2019. Gill was reportedly detained at Manchester Airport on September 13, 2021, under the Counter Terrorism and Border Security Act 2019. Gill, a former UKIP member of the European Parliament, later transitioned to the Brexit Party when the UK exited the EU in 2020. While leading Reform UK’s campaign in the 2021 Welsh Parliament election, Gill is no longer affiliated with the party.
The case against Nathan Gill sheds light on the complexities and potential consequences of alleged bribery involving political figures. The legal process, which began with a preliminary hearing at the Old Bailey, is set to proceed with a plea hearing and trial in the coming months. The seriousness of the charges, including conspiracy to commit bribery and multiple counts of bribery, underscores the significance of transparency and ethical conduct among public representatives. As the legal proceedings unfold, the case serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding integrity and accountability in political environments.