Key Highlights
- Nathan Gill, a former Reform UK politician, was convicted of bribery for taking pro-Russian payments.
- WhatsApp messages revealed Gill’s involvement in a pro-Russian influence campaign within the European Parliament.
- The case highlights ongoing Russian efforts to influence EU politics through financial incentives and political narratives.
- Other MEPs involved include Viktor Medvedchuk, who presented a so-called peace plan for Ukraine at an event with Gill.
Whistleblower Reveals Pro-Russian Bribes in European Parliament
In a major scandal that has rocked the political landscape of Europe, former Reform UK politician Nathan Gill has been convicted of bribery after WhatsApp messages uncovered his involvement in a pro-Russian influence campaign within the European Parliament. This revelation sheds light on the ongoing efforts by Russian entities to sway EU politics through financial incentives and strategic narratives.
Nathan Gill’s Conviction
Gill, who served as an MEP for six years, is currently facing prison time after admitting to eight counts of bribery in September. The 52-year-old father-of-seven is set to be sentenced at the Old Bailey on Friday. His case, which was unveiled through intercepted WhatsApp messages between Gill and Oleg Voloshyn, a Ukrainian politician with ties to Russia, highlights the extent of Russian influence operations within European institutions.
Intercepted Messages Reveal Bribery Scheme
The intercepted WhatsApp chats reveal that Gill received thousands of pounds in bribes for giving TV interviews in favor of Putin’s allies and making speeches in the European Parliament between December 2018 and July 2019. The case also details how Gill hosted a meeting with Viktor Medvedchuk, who presented a so-called peace plan for Ukraine at an event organized by the European Parliament.
Channel One Russia, a Russian TV news network, filmed Gill holding the door open for Medvedchuk during their meeting in Strasbourg. The presence of Russian media further underscores the involvement of Moscow in orchestrating this political influence campaign.
Other MEPs Involved
While Gill’s actions were central to the case, other European Parliament members also played a role. David Coburn and Jonathan Arnott, fellow Brexit Party MEPs, joined Gill on an “international editorial board” for 112 Ukraine, one of the pro-Russian TV stations. Both admitted to being asked by Gill to make supportive statements about the station during parliamentary debates.
James Wells, another former Welsh MEP, expressed anger over what he perceived as Gill’s misuse of his position. “He’s not just risked the reputation of colleagues and the party but also the whole Brexit thing,” Wells said. His criticism highlights the wider implications of such political corruption within European institutions.
Expert Analysis
Alexander Shekhovstov, an academic expert in Russian influencing campaigns, commented on the effectiveness of using MEPs to defend pro-Russian TV stations. “The strategy was effective, and the investment in Gill ‘returned with profit,’ ” Shekhovstov stated. This analysis suggests that similar tactics may be employed by other foreign entities seeking to influence European politics.
Wider Implications
The case of Nathan Gill raises broader questions about the vulnerability of EU institutions to foreign influence and the need for enhanced transparency measures. Lord Beamish, chairman of the parliamentary intelligence and security committee, emphasized that such issues are “not unusual” but rather part of a “constant problem.” This acknowledgment signals the ongoing nature of Russian interference in European affairs.
Commander Dominic Murphy of the Met’s counter terrorism unit warned that such cases “go to the heart of our democratic values,” underscoring the critical importance of addressing these threats. The sentencing of Gill and potential future investigations into other MEPs involved could have significant implications for how EU institutions handle foreign influence in the coming years.
