Six men have been sentenced for their roles in a Russian-ordered arson attack on a Ukrainian-owned warehouse in London, with the ringleader receiving 17 years in prison for what prosecutors described as a campaign of terrorism and sabotage. The fire on March 20, 2024, caused approximately £1.3 million in damages and targeted a facility sending aid, including Starlink terminals, to Ukraine.
Dylan Earl, 21, from Leicestershire, was recruited by the Wagner Group, a Russian mercenary organization designated as a terrorist group in the UK, via Telegram. He pleaded guilty to aggravated arson and an offence under the National Security Act 2023, marking the first convictions under this legislation. His accomplice, Jake Reeves, 24, from Croydon, who assisted in recruiting others, was sentenced to 12 years in prison.
Four other individuals were also jailed: Nii Mensah, 23, received nine years for streaming the attack; Ashton Evans, 20, was given nine years for involvement in a separate kidnapping plot; Jakeem Rose, 23, was sentenced to eight years and 10 months for setting the buildings alight; and Ugnius Asmena, 21, received seven years for arranging the getaway vehicle. Each received an additional year on extended licence.
The arson was part of a broader scheme, with Earl and Reeves planning further attacks, including an arson on a Mayfair restaurant and the kidnapping of its owner, Evgeny Chichvarkin, a Russian dissident. These plans were thwarted when Earl was arrested, and evidence such as videos of the fire was found on his phone.
This case illustrates Russia’s use of proxy actors for sabotage operations in Europe, described by analysts as a ‘gig economy’ for terrorism, where individuals are recruited online for cash payments. The tactic avoids traditional espionage methods and leverages social media platforms like Telegram to coordinate attacks.
Commander Dominic Murphy of the Metropolitan Police’s Counter Terrorism Policing highlighted that Russia poses a significant threat to national security and that proxy recruitment is becoming more frequent. Security minister Dan Jarvis reaffirmed the UK’s stance against hostile state activities, warning that such operatives are disposable and will face consequences.
The sentencing underscores the UK’s efforts to combat foreign interference amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. It reflects the evolving challenges in national security, where digital tools enable new forms of coercion and sabotage by state actors.
This incident serves as a reminder of the persistent risks posed by hostile nations and the importance of robust legal frameworks to address modern threats.