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Labour has informed the Metropolitan Police and security agencies about claims that Nigel Farage’s phone and bank accounts were allegedly hacked by Russian operatives. This follows reports from Reform party sources suggesting that Russian spies may have accessed details concerning a £5 million gift Farage received from a cryptocurrency billionaire. The allegations have prompted Labour to seek clarity on whether investigations are underway, with party chair Anna Turley formally writing to the Met Police and the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC).
Reform UK has confirmed it reported the matter to the appropriate authorities but reportedly did not include the Metropolitan Police in that notification. The party refrained from commenting further, citing ongoing investigations. According to sources speaking to the Mail on Sunday, Farage became highly suspicious after the reports about the £5 million donation from businessman Christopher Harborne surfaced. Only a handful of people were aware of the gift, leading Farage to have his phone examined by counter-espionage experts, who concluded that hostile actors linked to Moscow used targeted spear phishing attacks to breach his devices and accounts.
Spear phishing involves cybercriminals sending personalized messages designed to trick recipients into installing malware or divulging confidential information. Farage expressed concern about Russia’s actions, stating, “These actions by Russia are deeply concerning and highlight the threat they pose to British security.” Both Labour and the Conservatives have urged Reform to provide any evidence they possess to relevant UK security services. In her letter to Farage, Anna Turley emphasized the seriousness of the alleged offense and its potential ramifications for national security, political integrity, and public trust in the democratic process.
The controversy centers on the sizable donation made to Farage in April 2024, just two months before he declared his intention to run in the general election. Parliamentary rules require new MPs to register financial interests and significant gifts within a month of being elected, except in some cases involving personal gifts or family loans. However, these rules also advise consideration of the giver’s motive and the gift’s intended use. Farage did not disclose the payment in his declarations, and the information only became public following a report by the Guardian. The Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards is currently investigating whether any regulations were breached. Farage has maintained that the £5 million was a “purely private” and non-political gift and that all relevant rules were carefully reviewed. Meanwhile, Harborne has stated he made the donation out of admiration for Farage’s role in achieving Brexit, with no expectations beyond ensuring his own safety
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