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Former MEP Pleads Guilty to Bribery Charges

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A former Member of the European Parliament, Nathan Gill, 52, has pleaded guilty to eight counts of bribery for accepting payments to support pro-Russian media outlets in Ukraine. The investigation, led by the Metropolitan Police Department's Counter Terrorism Policing, uncovered evidence of Gill's corrupt activities, including messages and statements he made in support of Russian interests. This case highlights the importance of protecting democratic values and national security, as emphasized by Commander Dominic Murphy, Head of the Met's Counter Terrorism Command.

Key Takeaways:

  • Nathan Gill, a 52-year-old former MEP from North Wales, pleaded guilty to eight counts of bribery under the Bribery Act, 2010.
  • The investigation, led by Counter Terrorism Policing, uncovered that Gill received payments in exchange for making statements supporting pro-Russian media outlets in Ukraine.
  • Gill was stopped at Manchester airport on September 13, 2021, and his devices were seized, revealing evidence of his corrupt activities.
  • Detectives identified eight instances between January 2018 and February 2020 where Gill made supportive statements in Ukrainian media, corresponding with messages on his devices.
  • Gill was interviewed under caution in March 2022 but made no comment, and after further enquiries and liaising with the Crown Prosecution Service, he was issued with bribery charges on January 20, 2025.
  • Gill pleaded not guilty to an additional charge of conspiracy to commit bribery and will face sentencing at the Old Bailey on November 21.

Statistics:

  • 8 counts of bribery pleaded guilty to by Nathan Gill.
  • January 2018 to February 2020: 8 instances of Gill making supportive statements in Ukrainian media.
  • 1 mobile phone seized from Gill at Manchester airport on September 13, 2021.
  • 1 search conducted at Gill's home address in north Wales, seizing electronic items.
  • 300+ messages compiled from Gill's devices, demonstrating corrupt activities.
  • Postage of bribery charges to Gill on January 20, 2025.
  • Bail granted to Gill ahead of sentencing on November 21.
  • Sentencing to take place at the Old Bailey.

Sources:

  • Metropolitan Police Department
  • UK Government: Bribery Act, 2010
  • UK Government: Counter Terrorism and Borders Security Act, 2019
  • UK Government: Criminal Law Act 1977

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