Reform UK Chair Demands Probe Into Donation Linked to Sam Bankman-Fried

Reform UK chair Lee Anderson has called for an official investigation into a $50,000 political donation reportedly tied to former FTX CEO Sam Bankman Fried, as the party’s own leader prepares to face a separate crypto donation controversy.

Investigation Request Targets Defense Secretary

According to the Telegraph, Anderson called on the parliamentary commissioner for standards to investigate Defense Secretary Wes Streeting over donations totaling $50,000 received in 2022 and 2023 from think tank Labour for the Long Term. That group’s founder reportedly accepted a $675,000 gift from Bankman-Fried before funds were later sent to Streeting. Streeting said he had asked for a donor list before accepting the money, which did not include Bankman Fried’s name, and denied ever having contact with him.

Farage Faces His Own Crypto Scandal

The request comes as Reform leader Nigel Farage prepares to face voters next week in a by-election triggered by his resignation, following revelations he received $6.7 million from crypto billionaire Christopher Harborne and assistance from a convicted fraudster linked to a crypto casino, which Farage described as gifts. UK law currently allows unincorporated associations to donate freely without disclosing original funding sources, a loophole critics say enables foreign or untraceable money to reach politicians.

Bankman-Fried’s Conviction Remains Final

The controversy comes as the US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit formally upheld Bankman-Fried’s conviction and 25-year sentence this week, leaving him limited remaining legal options.