Farage disputes report over crypto-linked gifts

• Nigel Farage rejected allegations that he failed to disclose gifts from crypto-linked businessman George Cottrell before entering Parliament.
• The report comes as Farage also faces a separate parliamentary inquiry into the disclosure of a £5 million gift from crypto investor Christopher Harborne.
• The developments add to scrutiny of Reform UK's pro-cryptocurrency policies and Farage's relationships with figures in the digital asset industry.

Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, rejected allegations that he improperly accepted undisclosed gifts from George Cottrell, a crypto-linked businessman convicted of wire fraud in the United States, saying he complied with the applicable rules before becoming a member of Parliament.

According to The Sunday Times, Cottrell provided Farage with staff, security, transport and accommodation before his election in July 2024, while Farage said the report was a "hit job" and that the benefits were received before he entered Parliament.

“I followed the rules,” Farage said in response to the allegations.

The report said Cottrell, who is associated with crypto gambling platform Tether.bet, also recruited staff to assist Farage's social media activities and made a London property available for his use, while Farage declared only one benefit worth less than £9,300 for travel, security and accommodation related to an event in Belgium.

The allegations follow a separate parliamentary standards inquiry examining whether Farage should have declared a £5 million security-related gift from crypto investor Christopher Harborne, which Farage argues was not subject to parliamentary disclosure rules because it was provided before he became an MP.

Farage has been a prominent supporter of cryptocurrency policies in the UK, with Reform UK proposing legislation aimed at expanding the country's digital asset sector and becoming the first UK political party to accept donations in Bitcoin (CRYPTO:BTC).

The latest reports also follow a complaint from Labour MP Phil Brickell, who asked parliamentary authorities to examine whether Farage lobbied against a potential UK central bank digital currency while receiving support from individuals with interests in the cryptocurrency industry.

At the time of reporting, Bitcoin price was $62,964.95.