The European Union (EU) is a “mafia” that “profits from British power” and the UK must vote for Brexit if it ever wants to regain control of its borders, Nigel Farage has said.

Speaking to Italian newspaper La Repubblica, the UKIP leader confidently predicted that Leave will win the referendum, and confirmed plans to turn his party into an online movement after this month’s vote.

People are concerned that the “lack of controls over who can enter this country represent a threat to our public services, our jobs and our security,” Mr Farage said, adding: “We want to regain control of our laws, our budget and our borders.”

“Only the rich and powerful in their five-million pound houses do not understand the devastating effects of immigration on the common people,” he added.

When asked if he was “satisfied” to have helped bring about a referendum which has caused “worldwide fears”, Mr Farage responded defiantly: “I am very satisfied. Britain has the opportunity to regain its independence, and I am proud to have played a role in this historic opportunity. De Gaulle once said that all really important projects are long term. And now we are about to reap the fruits of the work that I and others started 20 years ago.”

He also said that fact the Establishment along with major international companies and groups are backing ‘remain’ should make voters suspicious.

“When the big companies, the big banks and the old politics are all on the same side it is clear that something suspicious is going on. Yes, Cameron has the establishment behind him, but we have the ordinary people. The EU is a mafia that profits from British power.”

Mr Farage went on to accuse British Prime Minister David Cameron of writing Barack Obama’s anti-Brexit speech.

“This is a shameful interference, which our people will not tolerate and will have exactly the opposite effect to what they want. Also, the words Obama said were written by Cameron.”

As to the future of UKIP, Mr Farage confirmed speculation that the party will become an online movement, inspired by Beppe Grillo’s Five Star Movement.

“Beppe Grillo is now able to unite millions of people without traditional means. This is the future of politics and UKIP is the first party in Great Britain to understand this. The times the registered party members who carry the party card in their pocket and don’t take part in decisions are over. Politics has to involve giving real power to people.”

He is also confident of Leave’s chances in the referendum:

“It is true that he has the whole establishment behind [Cameron],” Farage said. “But we have the people on our side. And the people are fed up with uncontrolled immigration. Be prepared for a surprise.”