British Man, Two Others Charged with Arson Plot for Russian State's Benefit: First Use of National Security Act
A 20-year-old British man named Dylan Earl from Leicestershire has been charged with planning an arson attack on a Ukrainian-linked commercial property in London for the benefit of the Russian state.
The incident occurred on March 20, 2024, and required 60 firefighters to put out the fire.
Earl is accused of organizing and funding the attack, and is also linked to the proscribed terrorist group, the Wagner Group.
The target of the attack is referred to as "Mr X" in the charges.
The CPS in England and Wales announced that five men have been charged with various crimes in connection to an arson case.
Two men, Paul English (60) and Nii Mensah (21), were charged with aggravated arson.
Jake Reeves (22) was charged with aggravated arson and agreeing to accept a material benefit from a foreign intelligence service.
Dmitrijus Paulauska (22) was charged with having information about terrorist acts.
UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron expressed concern over British nationals committing crimes on UK soil for the benefit of the Russian state and vowed to use the criminal justice system to hold anyone found guilty accountable.
The Metropolitan Police in London's Counter Terrorism Command, led by Dominic Murphy, has arrested and charged five suspects under the National Security Act 2023 for serious offenses.
This is the first time the legislation, enacted to address threats to the UK's democracy, economy, and values from foreign states, has been used.
The suspects will appear at the Central Criminal Court at the Old Bailey on May 10.