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.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) said on Wednesday they attacked two U.S. vessels and eight oil tankers in the Persian Gulf, calling the st...
Iran says it has delivered on its promise of a “faster, heavier and more painful” response to Washington, striking U.S. bases, warships...
Climate leaders in Baku are calling for a shift from climate commitments to concrete action as day three of Baku Climate Action Week focuses on imp...
Four people were killed, including a child, in Ukrainian strikes on the Russian port city of Novorossiysk overnight, according to the governor of the Krasnodar region. Ukraine's drone forces commander, Robert Brovdi, said Russian military ships were destroyed in the attacks.
A TV channel was struck during a live broadcast on Tuesday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said, as Russian strikes on Kyiv killed at least three people, the city's Mayor Vitali Klitschko said. Meanwhile, drones hit civilian infrastructure in Russia's southwestern Saratov region.
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said its forces destroyed five Iranian crude oil carriers after the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) allegedly launched two ballistic missile attacks against a U.S. Navy warship over the past two days.
U.S. special envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff have held talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv on Sunday on efforts to end Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Indonesia has reopened Jakarta's main airport and four others after volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau forced widespread flight cancellations, though fresh eruptions have kept authorities on alert.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) said on Wednesday they attacked two U.S. vessels and eight oil tankers in the Persian Gulf, calling the strikes a response to a U.S. attack on five Iranian tankers.
The United Nations has called for an immediate ceasefire in Sudan, warning that escalating drone warfare and attacks on civilian infrastructure are deepening the country's already devastating humanitarian crisis.
Climate leaders in Baku are calling for a shift from climate commitments to concrete action as day three of Baku Climate Action Week focuses on implementation, cooperation and measurable results.
Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has dissolved parliament and called a snap election for 25 October, as he seeks to extend his political influence by running for prime minister.
Four people were killed, including a child, in Ukrainian strikes on the Russian port city of Novorossiysk overnight, according to the governor of the Krasnodar region. Ukraine's drone forces commander, Robert Brovdi, said Russian military ships were destroyed in the attacks.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment