The ex-leader of Reform UK in Wales "accepted bribes to talk positively about Russia in the EU Parliament", a court has heard.
Nathan Gill, 51, 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 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".
The court also heard that Gill had been stopped at Manchester Airport in 2021 under the Counter Terrorism and Border Security Act 2019
PA
During the court hearing, Gill only spoke when he confirmed his name, date of birth and address.
He did not make any pleas to the charges brought forward in court.
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, at least.
The court also heard that Gill had been stopped at Manchester Airport in 2021 under the Counter Terrorism and Border Security Act 2019.
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The Crown Prosecution Service confirmed that they had authorised charges laid against Voloshyn but the journalist did not fall within the appropriate jurisdiction.
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 is due to make an appearance at the Old Bailey on March 14.
Back in 2014, Gill served as an elected member of the European Parliament for Ukip up until Britain''s departure from the EU - at which time he was representing the Brexit Party.
Although he is no longer a part of Nigel Farage's party, he led the populist party's campaign in the run up to the Welsh Senedd's election in 2021.
A Reform UK spokesman insisted that Gill had never been a member of Farage's party
Richard Tice/Facebook
A Reform UK spokesman insisted that Gill had never been a member of the party.
"He’s nothing to do with the party. Membership records show he has never been a member," the spokesman told The Guardian.
However, material on Facebook from April 2021 shows Gill adorned with a Reform UK rosette while out campaigning with the party's deputy leader Richard Tice.
The Reform MP posted: “Great to be with Nathan Gill, leader of Reform UK Wales, campaigning today."
GB News has approached Reform UK for comment.
