(The information in this essay comes from multiple sources, but much of it was based on the outstanding reporting of an excellent investigative journalist, Carole Cadwalladr of The Observer. More evidence that democracies cannot survive without a free and active press.)

When I wrote my last essay on the failures of Great Britain’s democratic processes to deal effectively with the problem of Brexit, I had intended to include a paragraph on the influence of Russian money on the referendum outcome. However, the more I delved into the subject the more I realized that a paragraph or two could not begin to convey the complex nature of Russian influence in the whole Brexit debacle. So, I will try to give you a hint of what may have transpired in this essay, but, a word of warning, this is a complicated web.

First, some background: Putin hates the EU. Putin hates NATO. Putin hates any multinational organization comprised of democratic nations. Part of his hatred is based on centuries-old Soviet/Russian distrust of the West and part is probably based on Putin’s training in the KGB. Another factor is undoubtedly the fact that Putin hates very well. That’s one of his strongest attributes – his ability to hate. Whatever the reason, consider it a given that Russia would love to see the EU disband and would have stopped at nothing to help pass a referendum forcing Britain out of the EU.

That brings us to Arron Banks, the cofounder of “Leave.EU” and one of the  major sources of financing for the entire “Leave” campaign. It seems that Banks donated $11 million of his own money to this cause and raised $5 million more. Now, Banks was only worth about $16-18 million at the start of Brexit and most analysts have difficulty believing that he donated over 60% of his fortune on a political campaign. The additional $5 million raised is also murky. Banks’ money is tied up in so many shell companies and offshore accounts that it is impossible to identify the sources. In testimony before Parliament about this subject, Banks said that none of the Brexit funding came from foreign sources which, of course, would be illegal. The British Electoral Commission was so underwhelmed by his protestations of innocence that they officially requested that Banks’ financial sources be investigated by the National Crime Agency.

At this point it is important to understand that London is the financial center of the world. The banking industry holds more sway in London than perhaps in any other place in the world. British laws favor hiding dark money in offshore banks and shell companies. You can make money disappear in London so no one can ever identify its source. All sorts of nefarious individuals and governments know this about the London banking industry.

So, where DID Banks get his money? Well, immediately before deciding to initiate “Leave.EU”, Banks had a meeting with the Russian ambassador to Britain. Immediately after that meeting, Banks had several meetings with Russian businessmen, including those with controlling interests in gold and diamond mines. Throughout the Brexit campaign, Banks held meetings with Russian embassy officials. In fact, in testimony before Parliament in 2018 (2 years after Brexit had passed) Banks admitted that he had lied about having no contacts with Russia and that he had met with them on numerous occasions throughout the campaign. There are also a trove of Banks’ emails during the campaign discussing how he is now “investing in gold”.

The whole situation actually gets worse. As the Brexit campaign was nearing election, the British Foreign Secretary held a press conference where he clearly stated that “a hostile foreign power, Russia, was attempting to influence an internal election in Great Britain.” The “Leave” campaign’s response to this accusation was both startling and frightening. A close review of “Leave” emails at the time show that Banks and other “Leave” leaders decided to immediately deny any Russian meddling through press releases and their extensive network of social media. In addition, the “Leave” leadership felt that they needed to send a “note of support” to the Russian ambassador.

This is all mind boggling. There is strong evidence that Russia financed a significant amount of the “Leave.EU” campaign. One of the co-founder of the “Leave.EU” campaign met frequently and surreptitiously with Russian embassy staff and Russian financiers including at least one gold mine owner and subsequently invested in gold. When the second highest elected British official identified Russia as meddling in the Brexit referendum, the “Leave” campaign quickly focused their media and social media resources on defending the hostile foreign power and criticizing the Foreign Secretary. To top it all off, the “Leave” campaign leadership sent a note of support to the meddling Russian ambassador.

Of course, we all know the end result. The British electorate made the horrendous decision to leave the EU without any idea of the ramifications on their economy and society. More than 2 years later, the Prime Minister and Parliament have not figured out a way to exit the EU without destroying Britain’s economy. The EU’s patience is wearing thin and British voters are quickly becoming disillusioned with their elected officials and their democratic processes.

Who do you think is smiling his crocodile smile?