Nigel Farage is under scrutiny by Parliament’s standards watchdog for allegedly not disclosing financial benefits he received from a convicted criminal who offered to launder drug money.

The leader of Reform UK is facing accusations of violating parliamentary regulations by accepting support in the form of staffing, security, and accommodation from George Cottrell before he took office as an MP. Cottrell, also known as “Posh George,” is now the subject of an investigation by an ethics watchdog regarding the alleged financial assistance provided to Farage.

Cottrell, who was previously identified as inmate 46832-424 in the US federal prison system, was sentenced to eight months in prison for wire fraud in 2017. He admitted to posing as a money launderer online and offering services to clean criminal proceeds, including advice on circumventing reporting requirements and disguising illicit funds as legitimate income.

Despite these revelations, Reform UK has denied any wrongdoing on the part of its leader. Cottrell’s involvement with Farage dates back to their joint trip to a Republican convention in the US, where Cottrell’s criminal activities were exposed, leading to his arrest.

The unfolding situation has raised concerns about Farage’s financial dealings, particularly in light of a recent report indicating that Cottrell had recruited and financed social media staff for Farage before the general election. Questions have been raised about undisclosed gifts and support provided by Cottrell to Farage, prompting calls for a thorough investigation into the matter.

Labour MPs have urged the standards commissioner to further probe Farage’s connections with Cottrell, in addition to an ongoing investigation into a separate £5 million gift Farage received from another individual. The outcome of these investigations could potentially result in sanctions against Farage, including a possible suspension from the Commons and a subsequent by-election.

In response to these allegations, Farage has defended his actions, asserting that he is entitled to personal gifts and support from friends. However, opposition voices have criticized his handling of financial matters and called for greater transparency and accountability in his dealings. The ongoing scrutiny underscores the challenges facing Farage and the need for thorough oversight of political figures’ financial affairs.