Farage Faces New Scrutiny Over Undisclosed Crypto Gambling Ties

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage failed to declare financial backing from George Cottrell, a convicted fraudster linked to an offshore crypto gambling site, in the year before his 2024 election, according to a weekend newspaper investigation. Cottrell reportedly covered Farage’s private security, drivers, staff and accommodation during that period.

Disclosure Rules In Question

MPs must register benefits worth more than £300 received before their election if tied to political activity. Farage disclosed two travel-related payments from Cottrell but no other support, raising questions about compliance with those rules.

Wider Web Of Crypto Connections

Cottrell, previously jailed for wire fraud, later became associated with an offshore crypto betting platform accepting Tether’s USDT stablecoin. The platform’s website was registered shortly after Farage, Cottrell and Tether stakeholder Christopher Harborne met in London in 2020.

Ongoing Standards Investigation

Farage already faces a separate parliamentary inquiry over an undisclosed £5 million gift from Harborne, which he said covered security costs. A spokesperson for Farage called the new report “baseless,” saying the support predated his time as an active politician.