It sounds like the Russians were at a minimum trying to find things out. There may or may not be more to it. Strange that the guy lied. Makes one think he is hiding something.
Personally I'd never heard of these people before today and I am not sure what influence they had.
The Eurosceptic movement has been around for decades, so it doesn't originate with them.
Russia certainly wants to damage the EU and saw Brexit as a means to that end.
This creates a shadow over Brexit which I hope is removed via investigation. On the other hand, George Soros is working hard to discredit it, so I am not sure whether he is behind the story.
The Russians were also apparently gathering contact details in the Trump campaign at this stage.
Will keep my eye on this.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5826649/Millionaire-Brexiteer-Arron-Banks-faces-storm-ties-Moscow.html