Crypto Billionaires Donate £72M to Reform UK in Two Days

Two crypto billionaires, Ben Delo and Christopher Harborne, have donated a total of £72 million (97 million dollars) to Nigel Farage's Reform UK in just two days, surpassing the total raised by all British parties last year. Delo, co-founder of BitMEX, announced a £36 million donation, the largest single donation to a British party, and plans to contribute £1 million monthly until the latest possible election date in 2029. Harborne matched Delo's donation, citing a competitive spirit. Reform UK plans to use the funds to hire top policy experts and campaign managers, stating they are now on election footing. Both donations were made in cash, as the UK banned crypto political donations in March. The donations come amid potential new regulations on election funding, with no limit on UK-based donations, although Labour has capped overseas donations at £100,000. Delo, who has faced scrutiny for past legal issues, plans to return from Hong Kong. Reform UK is currently under criminal investigation regarding its funding, but neither billionaire's donation is under scrutiny. The Metropolitan Police has opened an inquiry into allegations of circumventing foreign donation bans.