Crypto Billionaires Donate £72m to Reform UK Amid Scrutiny

Reform UK, the party led by Nigel Farage, has received two large donations from cryptocurrency billionaires. The first donation of £36 million was made by Ben Delo, who moved back to the UK from Hong Kong to avoid a proposed cap on donations from overseas voters. Delo was pardoned by US President Donald Trump last year after being convicted of violating the US Bank Secrecy Act.

The second donation of £36 million was made by Christopher Harborne, the party's biggest donor, who is matching Delo's gift. In an article published in The Daily Telegraph, Harborne described the donations as 'a philanthropic gift to our country' intended to help Reform prepare for government. He also emphasized the need for a 'profitable and dynamic economy' to address the challenges of nuclear war, AI, and climate change.

The twin donations come after a summer dominated by scrutiny of Reform's finances, including a criminal investigation into allegations it breached rules on political donations. The party denies any wrongdoing and has said it will cooperate fully with the probe.