New Revelations: Former Brexit Party MEP Implicated in Pro-Russian Bribery Controversy

In a striking turn of events, David Coburn, a former MEP for the Brexit Party and leader of UKIP in Scotland, is facing scrutiny amid allegations of involvement in a pro-Russian influence campaign in the European Parliament. Coburn is mentioned in WhatsApp messages that emerged from the case against Nathan Gill, a disgraced former MEP convicted for taking bribes to deliver pro-Russian speeches and interviews.

Oleg Voloshyn, a former member of the Ukraine parliament with pro-Russian ties, is connected to Coburn through messages discussing a $6,500 payment allegedly set aside for him. These messages were discovered on Gill’s seized phone during an investigation into his bribery activities. Gill was sentenced to 10.5 years in prison for his actions, with Judge Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb noting that the bribe money ultimately stemmed from oligarch Viktor Medvedchuk, a key ally of Putin.

Coburn, when questioned by journalists, firmly denied ever receiving payment for speaking on behalf of pro-Russian groups, with the BBC stating they have no evidence to suggest otherwise. However, the messages detail financial arrangements made by Voloshyn with Gill, indicating that money was set aside for another unnamed MEP, referred to simply as “D” and speculated to be Coburn.

The controversy continues as both Coburn and another former MEP, Jonathan Arnott, appeared in support of pro-Russian television channels alongside Gill prior to the reported bribery incidents. While Arnott claimed he hadn’t been bribed and criticized Gill’s actions, Coburn’s previous statements in European Parliament on the situation in Ukraine align suspiciously with the rhetoric advocated by Gill.

The UK government and political figures, including Prime Minister Keir Starmer, are urging for exploration into potential Russian influence within the Brexit Party, with Nigel Farage, Coburn’s former leader, asserting confidence that no other individuals in his party were involved. As the investigation remains active, more connections and the extent of Coburn’s involvement may yet emerge.