Arron Banks Allegedly Surveilled Sunday Times Editor Over Funding Reports

Brexit campaigner and Reform UK member Arron Banks allegedly hired private investigators from Precision Risk and Intelligence, a firm he previously owned, to surveil Gabriel Pogrund. Pogrund serves as the editor of the Sunday Times Insight investigations team and had reported that Reform UK leader Nigel Farage received financial support from convicted criminal George Cottrell.

Banks defended the action by claiming the Sunday Times used hacked information. He stated, "When you live by the sword, you die by the sword," and noted that his investigative arm possesses advanced capabilities. The Sunday Times denied using illegally sourced information and described the surveillance as "reprehensible."

This incident coincides with broader legal scrutiny of the party's funding. The Metropolitan Police are currently investigating the finances of Reform UK. Additionally, the National Crime Agency issued a suspicious activity report regarding donations made by Fiona Cottrell to Reform UK and a company owned by deputy leader Richard Tice.