The former leader of Reform UK in Wales has pleaded guilty to eight bribery charges while an elected member of the European Parliament.
The eight counts of bribery occurred between December 6 2018, and July 18 2019.
Nathan Gill denied one charge of conspiracy to commit bribery during his hearing at the Old Bailey on Friday.
The charges stated that as an elected member of the European Parliament for the constituency of Wales in the UK, he “agreed to receive financial advantage, namely money”, which constituted “the improper performance” as the holder of an elected office.
The ex-leader of Reform UK in Wales “accepted bribes to talk positively about Russia in the EU Parliament”, a court previously heard.
Mr Gill was charged with one count of conspiracy to commit bribery and eight counts of bribery under the Criminal Law Act 1977 and the Bribery Act 2010, the Metropolitan Police first revealed.
Westminster Magistrates’ Court has heard that the politician is alleged to have made favourable comments about the Kremlin in the parliament and would write such praises in opinion pieces for news publications.
Such outlets include 112 Ukraine, which statements were described as “supportive of a particular narrative” that would “benefit Russia regarding events in Ukraine”.
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Nathan Gill gave his plea at the Old Bailey in London
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The former leader was alleged to have been in contact with journalist Oleg Voloshyn – who used to be a Ukrainian politician – who assigned him to make certain statements in exchange for money on eight separate occasions.
The court also heard that Gill had been stopped at Manchester Airport in 2021 under the Counter Terrorism and Border Security Act 2019.
Leading up to today’s court appearance, Mr Gill was granted bail on the condition that he gives up his passport, halts any contact with Voloshyn and does not obtain any international travel documents.
He was the Leader of Reform UK Wales from March to May 2021, when he resigned from the party.
Nathan Gill was the Leader of Reform UK Wales from March to May 2021
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Mr Gill previously served as a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) for Wales from 2014 to January 2020.
He was then elected as an MEP for the Brexit Party.
During the UKIP Wales Conference on December 6 2014, Nigel Farage, then leader of the UK Independence Party, announced that Mr Gill would be the Leader of the Party in Wales.
He served as a UK Independence Party (UKIP) MEP until his defection on December 6, 2018.
Nathan Gill is no longer a member of Reform UK
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Richard Tice/FacebookProsecutor Mark Heywood KC said the guilty pleas were “satisfactory” because the bribery charges reflected the criminal activities.
Reform UK declined to comment when approached by GB News.