Reform UK transactions reported to National Crime Agency
8 reported3 unconfirmed
A Guardian investigation has found that banking staff reported multiple transactions involving senior Reform UK figures to the National Crime Agency (NCA) over potential money-laundering concerns. The reports include a £1m donation to a Reform fundraising organisation, a loan from a convicted fraudster to deputy leader Richard Tice, and a previously disclosed £5m gift to Nigel Farage from a cryptocurrency billionaire. Bankers filed suspicious activity reports (SARs) despite explanations from the party figures involved. The NCA has sought help from a foreign partner agency to trace the original source of the £1m donation. Tice threatened to injunct the Guardian to stop publication of these details. The NCA declined to confirm or deny receipt of the SARs, citing confidentiality rules.
What’s reported
The Guardian reported that banking staff judged transfers between Richard Tice, Fiona Cottrell, and George Cottrell required further investigation.
At least four SARs were raised: one for a £1m donation to Britain Means Business, two for a loan from George Cottrell to Tice, and one for the £5m gift from Christopher Harborne to Farage.
Half of the £1m donation was transferred by Tice to Reform UK; bank staff were not satisfied the funds ultimately came from Fiona Cottrell.
The NCA has sought help from a foreign partner agency to trace the original source of the £1m.
George Cottrell is a convicted fraudster, former deputy treasurer of Ukip, and close associate of Farage.
Tice, via lawyers, threatened to injunct the Guardian to stop publication.
The NCA spokesperson said the agency does not confirm or deny receipt of SARs.
Reform UK declined to comment; Fiona Cottrell did not respond; George Cottrell’s lawyers refused to respond; Harborne’s lawyers did not provide substantive responses.
Open questions
Whether the NCA will investigate the SARs and when any investigation might conclude.
Whether the transactions violated Electoral Commission rules or the MPs’ code of conduct.
The original source of the £1m donation.
Key figures
Nigel Farage, Reform UK leader
Richard Tice, Reform UK deputy leader
Fiona Cottrell, Reform UK donor
George Cottrell, convicted fraudster, son of Fiona Cottrell
Christopher Harborne, Thailand-based businessman
Keir Starmer, prime minister
Kemi Badenoch, Conservative leader
Sources: The Guardian
