Nigel Farage’s long‑term aide George Cottrell ran a secret Polymarket account @zxgngl, opened on 9 Oct 2024 using an email linked to his Montenegro business. The account received nearly $20 million in crypto and placed about $18 million on Trump winning the election, earning a $11.5 million profit.

After Trump’s victory on 5 Nov 2024, the account paid out $29.5 million in 29 transfers; a second account “GCottrell93” took in $8.8 million from two wallets between 24 Oct‑30 Oct and bet on Trump. Together they staked close to $30 million, then moved most of the proceeds, including $15 million profit, to external wallets.

Cottrell used the funds to support Farage’s staff and security, sent over $2 million to his mother Fiona, who later donated heavily to Reform UK and a business linked to deputy leader Richard Tice. He also paid for Farage’s £15,300 Palm Beach trip to meet Elon Musk and covered rent for a five‑storey house near Buckingham Palace at £5,480 per week.

His lawyer said the betting complied with KYC rules and was on his own funds; Polymarket declined to comment. Though born into an aristocratic family with a £1.5 million estate, Cottrell’s wealth source is unclear, and he previously faced US wire‑fraud charges, pleaded guilty, served prison time, and was alleged to have used betting accounts.