Six individuals have been sentenced for their involvement in a Russian-backed arson attack targeting a warehouse in London that supported Ukraine. This incident occurred on March 20, 2024, in Leyton and resulted in damages estimated at £1.3 million.
Details of the Arson Incident
The ringleader, 21-year-old Dylan Earl from Leicestershire, was recruited by the Wagner Group, a mercenary organization linked to the Russian government. The UK has designated this group as a terrorist entity. Earl received a 17-year prison sentence.
Prior to his arrest, Earl was also accused of plotting to kidnap a prominent Russian dissident. The arson attack was coordinated via Telegram, where Earl expressed his eagerness to undertake various “missions,” with the attack on the warehouse being the first.
Convictions Under the National Security Act
Dylan Earl and another man, 24-year-old Jake Reeves from Croydon, are notable for being the first individuals convicted under the National Security Act of 2023. Reeves received a 12-year sentence for his role in the attack.
- Nii Mensah: 23, from Thornton Heath. Sentenced to 10 years for streaming the arson.
- Jakeem Rose: 23, from Croydon. Jailed for nine years for starting the fire.
- Ugnius Asmena: 21, with no fixed address. Received an eight-year sentence for arranging the getaway vehicle.
- Ashton Evans: 20, from South Wales. Sentenced to nine years for failing to report a planned kidnapping.
Impact of the Attack
The targeted warehouse was Ukrainian-owned and had been instrumental in sending critical supplies to Ukraine, including Starlink satellite terminals. The fire was so severe that it required the efforts of eight fire crews and 60 firefighters to extinguish it.
Initially, Earl was promised £9,000 for his involvement in the attack but received a reduced payment due to executing the plan prematurely without approval from his handler. Judge Mrs. Justice Cheema-Grubb characterized the events as part of a “planned campaign of terrorism and sabotage” driven by the interests of the Russian state.
