Briton Charged with Aiding Russia and Planning Arson against Ukraine-Linked Business in UK
A 20-year-old British man, Dylan Earl, has been charged with planning an arson attack on a Ukraine-linked business and assisting Russian intelligence services. This is the first case to involve alleged offences under the National Security Act 2023. Earl, from Elmesthorpe in Leicestershire, has been accused of undertaking fraudulent activity, research, and reconnaissance of targets, as well as attempting to recruit individuals to assist a foreign intelligence service carrying out UK-related activities.
Arson Attack in East London and Other Charges
In connection with the investigation, four other individuals have also been charged. Jake Reeves, 22, from Croydon, has been charged under the National Security Act after a fire at a warehouse in Leyton, East London, in March. The other three men, Paul English, Nii Mensah, and Dmitrijus Paulauska, have been charged but not under the new legislation.
Allegations and Connections
Earl is accused of targeting businesses linked to Ukraine in order to benefit the Russian state. He is alleged to have organized and paid for an arson attack on two units at an industrial estate in Leyton. The blaze required 60 firefighters to bring it under control. Prosecutors claim that Earl is connected to the proscribed terrorist organization, the Wagner Group, which has played a prominent role in the Russian invasion of Ukraine and has been active in other conflicts.
Nick Price, the head of the CPS Special Crime and Counter-Terrorism Division, stated that Earl’s alleged activities included planning the arson attack on a Ukrainian-linked commercial property in March 2024. Two other men, Paul English and Nii Mensah, have been charged with aggravated arson in connection with this case. Jake Reeves has been charged with agreeing to accept a material benefit from a foreign intelligence service, as well as aggravated arson. Dmitrijus Paulauska has been charged with having information about terrorist acts.
Legal Proceedings
English and Mensah appeared at Westminster Magistrates Court on Monday, while Earl appeared on 20 April. Reeves and Paulauska appeared at the same court on Friday. All five defendants are scheduled to appear for a hearing at the Old Bailey on 10 May. As of now, the defendants have not entered pleas.
Commander Dominic Murphy, the head of the Met’s Counter-Terrorism Command, emphasized the significance of the investigation and the charges brought under the National Security Act. He urged everyone to respect the criminal justice process and refrain from speculating or commenting further on the case.
