A former political leader in Wales has been sentenced to 10-and-a-half years in prison for accepting bribes linked to pro-Russian lobbying activities, a case that has raised serious concerns about political integrity and foreign influence in the United Kingdom.
A court in London has found the former leader of Reform UK in Wales guilty of receiving payments in exchange for promoting pro-Russian viewpoints through interviews and speeches. The 52-year-old politician was accused of using his position as a Member of the European Parliament to advance the interests of foreign actors.
During sentencing, the judge said the politician had “abused his position” and undermined public trust in democracy. Police investigations are ongoing to determine whether others were involved.
According to court findings, the payments were made to encourage public support for certain foreign political figures and media outlets. The politician admitted to multiple counts of bribery, which included paid media appearances and speeches delivered in the European Parliament between 2018 and 2019.
Law enforcement officials described the case as part of a broader pattern of attempts by foreign interests to exert influence over European politics.
The sentence marks the first time a British politician has been jailed under the Bribery Act for actions tied to foreign influence.
Reform UK, the party once led by the defendant in Wales, condemned his actions as “reprehensible and unforgivable.” Government officials said the case highlights the need for stronger safeguards against covert influence and corruption in public office.
The convicted politician served as an MEP between 2014 and 2020 and had switched party affiliations during his tenure. He admitted to the charges earlier this year and will now serve his sentence in custody.
Iranian-made Yassin missiles were spotted mounted on Armenian Air Force fighter aircraft during Armenia's latest military parade on Thursday (28 May),...
The Philippines remains under a "severe threat" from China despite recent efforts by Washington and Beijing to ease tensions, Philippine Defence Secre...
Russia has recalled its ambassador to Armenia for consultations, citing Yerevan's growing rapprochement with the European Union. The move is seen as t...
At least 22 people have been killed - including children - and 35 others injured after a truck carrying Afghan returnees overturned in eastern Afghani...
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has urged Asian allies to increase military spending, warning of growing concern over China’s rapid military exp...
Iranian-made Yassin missiles were spotted mounted on Armenian Air Force fighter aircraft during Armenia's latest military parade on Thursday (28 May), drawing attention from defence observers and regional analysts.
The Philippines remains under a "severe threat" from China despite recent efforts by Washington and Beijing to ease tensions, Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro said on Saturday (30 May).
Russia has recalled its ambassador to Armenia for consultations, citing Yerevan's growing rapprochement with the European Union. The move is seen as the latest sign of deteriorating relations between the longtime allies ahead of Armenia's parliamentary election on 7 June.
Thai rescuers say five people have been pulled alive from a flooded cave in remote Laos, where seven villagers became trapped after heavy rain cut off access underground.
A group of Azerbaijani civil society organisations has called for increased scrutiny of Swiss building materials giant Holcim, citing court rulings and ongoing investigations linked to its subsidiary Lafarge's activities during the Syrian conflict.
The World Health Organization (WHO) says ongoing conflict, funding pressures and international travel restrictions are complicating efforts to contain a fast-growing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Thai rescuers say five people have been pulled alive from a flooded cave in remote Laos, where seven villagers became trapped after heavy rain cut off access underground.
Russia and Kazakhstan signed 15 agreements during President Vladimir Putin’s state visit to Astana on Thursday (28 May), including deals on Kazakhstan’s first nuclear power plant and expanded oil cooperation with Russia.
The Philippines remains under a "severe threat" from China despite recent efforts by Washington and Beijing to ease tensions, Philippine Defence Secretary Gilberto Teodoro said on Saturday (30 May).
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has urged Asian allies to increase military spending, warning of growing concern over China’s rapid military expansion and wider activities in the region.
Thai rescuers say five people have been pulled alive from a flooded cave in remote Laos, where seven villagers became trapped after heavy rain cut off access underground.
Three Latvian climbers have died after falling on Mount McKinley in Alaska’s Denali National Park and Preserve, authorities and a Latvian climbing organisation have said
Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for 30 May, covering the latest developments you need to know.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment