Investigators bound to scrutinise Arron Banks's Russian links

The pro-Brexit businessman’s explanations for meetings with Russian diplomats have shifted

The National Crime Agency investigation into Arron Banks will inevitably examine his contacts with Russian officials in the run-up to the EU referendum, and a series of apparent deals offered to Banks by Moscow.

Banks has consistently denied receiving money from Russia. On Thursday he angrily dismissed as “ludicrous” the decision by the Election Commission to refer him to the NCA, which concluded a number of criminal offences may have been committed.

Related: Arron Banks faces criminal inquiry over Brexit campaign

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