Revealed: Farage’s £5m gift reported to UK crime agency over money laundering concerns

Nigel Farage has come under renewed scrutiny over the £5 million gift he received from Christopher Harborne, a British businessman based in Thailand. Reporting says the matter has been escalated to the UK’s crime agency after concerns were raised about possible money-laundering links connected to the donation.

The development adds to the political and legal pressure already building around Farage’s finances. Reform UK’s leader is also facing an investigation by the parliamentary standards watchdog over whether he properly declared the gift under the UK House of Commons code of conduct.

Farage has denied any wrongdoing. He has argued the money was an “unconditional” personal gift that he received before becoming an MP and that it was not political in nature, saying he used it for personal security. Rival lawmakers and others have questioned the circumstances of the donation and whether it should have been registered.

The scrutiny has also prompted speculation about what could happen if the standards inquiry finds a breach, including potential sanctions from Parliament.