UK Court Convicts Men in Arson Attack Linked to Russian Wagner Group

On Tuesday, three men were found guilty of arson targeting Ukraine-linked businesses in London. British officials stated that the attack was ordered by Russia’s Wagner mercenary group, representing the latest instance of hostile activity conducted on behalf of Moscow in Britain.

The ringleader, Dylan Earl, 21, had previously pleaded guilty to aggravated arson related to the 2024 blaze. The targeted companies were involved in delivering satellite equipment from Elon Musk’s Starlink to Ukraine, which is crucial for Ukraine's defense against the ongoing Russian invasion. Earl was also the first person convicted under the National Security Act, admitting his role in a plot targeting a wine shop and restaurant in London's Mayfair district, with plans to kidnap the owner, a vocal critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Jake Reeves, 23, also pleaded guilty to aggravated arson and a National Security Act charge of obtaining a material benefit from a foreign intelligence agency. A jury at London’s Old Bailey court convicted Nii Kojo Mensah, 23, Jakeem Rose, 23, and Ugnius Asmena, 20, of aggravated arson, while Paul English, 61, was cleared. Ashton Evans, 20, was convicted of one charge of failing to disclose information about terrorist acts, while Dmitrijus Paulauskas, 23, was acquitted of both charges.

These convictions follow other allegations of malign activity by Moscow in Britain, including the conviction of a group of Bulgarians in March for spying for Russian intelligence. London has accused Russia or its agents of being behind spy plots and sabotage missions in Britain and across Europe. The Kremlin has denied these accusations.

British authorities believe that since the expulsion of Russian spies following the 2018 poisoning of Sergei Skripal, Moscow has relied on criminals motivated by financial gain or those with existing grievances to carry out activities on its behalf. Commander Dominic Murphy, head of the London police’s Counter Terrorism Command, stated that both plots involving Earl demonstrated the Russian state's involvement in the United Kingdom. He noted that Russia and other states, such as Iran, have adapted to British authorities' response to hostile activity.

Earl, who also pleaded guilty to dealing cocaine, exchanged numerous messages with a Wagner handler who encouraged him to connect with various groups. Earl also expressed a desire to fight for Wagner. Commander Murphy expressed confidence that Wagner and the Russian state were behind the actions. He anticipates further similar actions from criminals acting as state proxies.