Nigel Farage is facing calls to clarify whether he reported allegations of Russian espionage targeting his phone to expose a hidden £5 million donation from a cryptocurrency billionaire.
Initially, the leader of Reform UK stated that the controversial sum from businessman Christopher Harborne was intended for his personal security, later stating it was a token of appreciation for his role in the Brexit campaign.
Following the disclosure of the donation, Reform UK asserted that an investigation by counter-espionage specialists revealed that foreign actors, likely tied to Moscow, had attempted to compromise Farage’s phone, email, and financial accounts.
Labour Party Chair Anna Turley has demanded that Farage disclose whether this incident was reported to law enforcement or security agencies. Failure to do so within 24 hours may prompt Labour to pursue an investigation.
Turley’s letter to Farage highlighted the lack of public confirmation regarding any official reports to the police or the National Cyber Security Centre. She emphasized the gravity of the situation, stressing the need for any evidence of foreign interference to be thoroughly investigated by the appropriate authorities.
Farage failed to disclose the donation in the members’ interests register after receiving it shortly before being elected as an MP in the 2024 election. Parliamentary authorities are now examining whether Farage violated disclosure rules, and the Electoral Commission is considering launching its own inquiry. Harborne, the donor, contributed £12 million to Reform UK in the previous year.
In response, a spokesperson for Reform stated that the incident had been reported to relevant authorities but did not specify to whom. They indicated that commenting further during ongoing investigations would be inappropriate.