Arson Attack Allegedly Planned Against Ukrainian-Linked Property in London
A 20-year-old British man, identified as Dylan Earl from Leicestershire, has been charged with orchestrating an arson plot against a Ukrainian-linked target in London on behalf of the Russian state, according to prosecutors. The Crown Prosecution Service revealed that Earl was allegedly involved in planning an arson attack on a Ukrainian-affiliated commercial property in March 2024.
Suspect Allegedly Connected to Proscribed Terrorist Group
Court documents suggest that the suspect, Dylan Earl, has ties to the banned terrorist organization known as the Wagner Group. The incident involved an arson attack on industrial units in Leyton, east London, which required 60 firefighters to extinguish. The fire caused damage to three units on the industrial estate, with the cause of the fire under investigation by authorities.
Multiple Individuals Charged in Connection with the Case
In addition to Dylan Earl, two other men, Paul English and Nii Mensah, face charges of aggravated arson related to the case. Another individual, Jake Reeves, has been charged with accepting benefits from a foreign intelligence service along with aggravated arson. Dmitrijus Paulauska has been charged with possessing information about terrorist acts, according to the CPS.
Government Response and Legal Proceedings
U.K. Foreign Secretary David Cameron expressed concern over allegations of British nationals engaging in criminal activities to serve the interests of the Russian state. The suspects are scheduled to appear at the Central Criminal Court at the Old Bailey in London on May 10 to face the charges brought against them. These developments come amid rising tensions between Russia and the West, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and recent espionage activities in Germany.