‘Man orchestrated arson on behalf of Wagner’
A BRITISH man is accused of orchestrating arson attacks on Ukrainianlinked businesses in London on behalf of the proscribed terror organisation the Wagner Group.
Dylan Earl has been charged under the National Security Act 2023 – the first case to involve alleged offences under the new spy laws.
The 20-year-old is accused of being in contact with a handler in the Wagner Group before carrying out reconnaissance of targets “in relation to activity intended to benefit Russia”.
Court documents show Earl is accused of recruiting and paying others to carry out an arson attack at an industrial unit in Leyton, east London – Ukrainian-linked businesses owned by “Oddisey” and “Meest UK”.
The March 20 blaze required 60 firefighters to bring it under control, and the alleged target of the fire is labelled as “Mr X” in the charges.
Mr Justice Jeremy Baker ordered that reporting restrictions be lifted on the case yesterday, which coincided with two co-defendants of Earl appearing at Westminster Magistrates’ Court.
One of the co-defendants, Jake Reeves, is accused of accepting cash, knowing it was from a foreign intelligence service.
The 22-year-old was remanded into custody and appeared alongside fellow 22-year-old Dmitrijus Paulauska, who is charged with failing to disclose information to police about terrorist acts.
Two other defendants, 60-year-old Paul English and 21-year-old Nii Mensah, have also been charged with aggravated arson.
All five men are due to appear at the Old Bailey for a further hearing on May 10. The defendants are yet to enter pleas to the charges.
Commander Dominic Murphy, Head of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, said: “This is a highly significant moment and investigation for us.
“Not only are the charges that have been authorised by the CPS extremely serious, but it is also the first time that we have arrested, and now charged, anyone using the powers and legislation brought in under the National Security Act.
“This investigation remains ongoing.”