Leaked insurance boss emails raise Russian involvement questions

Further controversy surrounds famed Brexit donor

Leaked insurance boss emails raise Russian involvement questions

Insurance News

By Terry Gangcuangco

Anyone following the issues hounding insurance millionaire Arron Banks will be interested to know that his emails are now being examined by the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) for possible tighter links to Russia during his Leave.EU campaign.

Based on leaked correspondence handed to the NCA, it would appear that the famed Brexit donor was offered not one but three Russian business deals, according to The Sunday Times.

The publication previously revealed that Banks received an offer from Russian ambassador to the UK Alexander Yakovenko in November 2015 – now, if the leaked emails are to be believed, it looks like the former Southern Rock Insurance chief executive was closer to Russia than initially perceived.

The deals involved goldmines and diamonds.  

According to the report, the British security service or MI5 and US intelligence agencies are collaborating with the NCA in its probe. Meanwhile Banks himself expects to be quizzed by former Federal Bureau of Investigation director Robert Mueller, who is at the centre of the Russia - Donald Trump inquiry.

“We haven’t had a formal invitation but, bearing in the mind the questions now being asked, it can’t be that far away, can it?” the political donor told the publication.

The leaked emails also point to meetings – in addition to what Banks has disclosed – with Yakovenko. As for the proposed deals, the controversial businessman denied benefitting from any of them.

 

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