Briton accused over ‘Wagner London arson attacks’

A British man is accused of orchestrating arson attacks on Ukrainian-linked 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”.

After news emerged of the charge, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said it had summoned Russia’s ambassador to the UK Andrey Kelin.

Court documents show earl is accused of recruiting and payingothers 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.

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 on May 10.