A Briton is accused of plotting an arson attack at London businesses linked to Ukraine after allegedly being recruited as a Russian spy.
Dylan Earl allegedly engaged in behavior targeting companies for the benefit of the Russian state.
He was charged under the National Security Act 2023 – the first case involving alleged offenses under the new legislation.
Earl is accused of engaging in fraudulent activities, searching and reconnaissance of targets, and attempting to recruit individuals to materially assist a foreign intelligence service conducting UK-related activities, according to prosecutors.
He is believed to be linked to the banned terrorist group the Wagner Group, according to court documents.
The 20-year-old is accused of organizing and financing an arson attack on two units on an industrial estate in Leyton, east London, on March 20.
The fire required the intervention of 60 firefighters to bring it under control and the alleged target of the fire is identified as “Mr.
Four other people have also been charged in connection with this case, it can now be reported.
Reporting restrictions were lifted today, allowing all defendants to be named, the CPS said in a statement.
Two other men – Paul English, 60, and Nii Mensah, 21 – were charged with aggravated arson.
Jake Reeves, 22, was charged with accepting a material benefit from a foreign intelligence service – as well as aggravated arson.
A fifth man, Dmitrijus Paulauska, 22, was accused of possessing information about terrorist acts.
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Earl appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court in central London on Saturday and at English and Mensah on Monday. They have all been remanded in custody and will appear at the Old Bailey on May 10.
Reeves and Paulauska appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court today – and their trials were adjourned to the same date.
Commander Dominic Murphy, head of the Metropolitan Police’s counter-terrorism command, said: “While these are very serious allegations, I would like to reassure the public that we do not believe there is any broader threat to him in this case.” He added: “This investigation is still ongoing. »
Nick Price, head of the CPS’s Special Crime and Counter-Terrorism Division, said: “Criminal proceedings are ongoing against these defendants. No one should report, comment or share information online that could in any way undermine their right to a fair trial. »
Sky news