Six men stand accused at London’s Old Bailey of launching a £1 million arson on a warehouse supplying vital aid to Ukraine, in a case highlighting growing concerns over covert Russian-backed sabotage and calls for stronger UK national security measures.
Jurors at London’s Old Bailey have been instructed to reach a majority verdict in the case against six men accused of launching an arson attack on a warehouse tied to Ukraine and the Kremlin-backed Wagner Group. The fire, which tore through the Leyton industrial unit in east London last March, caused around £1 million in damages. The warehouse was reportedly used by a company supplying humanitarian aid and Starlink satellite equipment to Ukraine—vital tools for Ukraine’s communication efforts amidst the ongoing conflict provoked by Russia’s invasion in 2022.
This attack appears to be part of a broader attempt by foreign interests to destabilise the UK’s security and aid Russian efforts, with the defendants allegedly acting under the influence of Wagner—an outright terrorist organisation proscribed in the UK. Dylan Earl, 20, and Jake Reeves, 23, are accused of orchestrating this act of sabotage, with Earl reportedly recruited by Wagner to carry out covert operations aimed at undermining our national security. The involvement of such foreign-backed entities signals the clear threat posed by hostile Russian influence operating behind the scenes on our own soil.
The case reveals disturbing links to covert plots targeting key individuals and assets associated with Ukraine and dissidents opposed to Russia’s regime. Prosecutors outlined how encrypted communication apps like Telegram, believed to be connected to Russian intelligence, were used to coordinate attacks—including threats to kidnap Russian dissidents and arrest attempts on property owned by critics of Moscow. These acts of sabotage, with targets valued at over £30 million, highlight Putin’s ongoing campaign of espionage and subversion aimed at destabilising the UK and its allies.
Defense lawyers attempted to downplay the defendants’ knowledge of the geopolitical implications, claiming they were misled and unaware of the true purpose behind their actions. However, this case demonstrates the importance of the UK adopting a firm stance—using legislation like the new National Security Act 2023—to combat foreign interference. As the trial continues, the message is clear: Britain must reinforce its defenses against covert attacks funded and orchestrated by foreign states intent on undermining our sovereignty.
The government’s response signals a critical shift toward zero tolerance for espionage and sabotage linked to Russian influence, emphasizing our commitment to protecting national interests. With verdicts imminent, the case underscores the urgent need for tougher laws and greater vigilance. It is time for this nation to stand firm and confront the dangerous threat posed by foreign adversaries operating covertly within our borders.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.irishnews.com/news/uk/majority-direction-for-jury-in-wagner-group-arson-trial-HLUKHIRLP5MP5LLEC3DJH6ZRJE/ – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://www.ft.com/content/c63e57e1-75df-4d9e-978a-2be7a5f28a51 – Six men are on trial in London over a suspected arson attack allegedly orchestrated by the Kremlin-backed Wagner Group. The fire, which took place in March 2024, destroyed the warehouse of Oddisey, a business that supplied humanitarian aid and Starlink satellite terminals to Ukraine. Prosecutors assert that the instructions for the attack were relayed via Telegram by a user linked to Russian intelligence. The accused include Dmitrijus Paulauskas and Ashton Evans, charged with failing to report terrorist activities, while four others—Paul English, Nii Kojo Mensah, Jakeem Rose, and Ugnius Asmena—face aggravated arson charges, all of which they deny. The prosecution links the operation to Dylan Earl, who earlier pleaded guilty under the UK’s National Security Act, and Jake Reeves, who admitted accepting funds from a foreign intelligence service. The court heard that the arson was part of a larger network of sabotage operations targeting properties worth over £30 million, including ones owned by Russian dissident Evgeny Chichvarkin. Defense attorneys argue the accused were unaware of the operation’s geopolitical motivations and were misled. Jurors have now retired to deliver their verdict. ([ft.com](https://www.ft.com/content/c63e57e1-75df-4d9e-978a-2be7a5f28a51?utm_source=openai))
- https://apnews.com/article/06dec3cafa7be7293f481f160806ee2f – Dylan Earl, a British man linked to Russia’s Wagner mercenary group, has been charged with hostile activities benefiting Russia, including planning an arson attack on a Ukrainian-linked business in London. This is the first charge under the National Security Act 2023, highlighting stringent measures against espionage and foreign interference. Earl, accused of fraud and recruiting for Russian intelligence, is also linked to plotting against U.S. military facilities. NATO’s Secretary General emphasized alliance solidarity against such acts. Co-defendants Jake Reeves and Dmitrijus Paulauska face related charges. All five suspects remain in custody, awaiting a May 10 hearing at the Old Bailey. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/06dec3cafa7be7293f481f160806ee2f?utm_source=openai))
- https://news.sky.com/story/russian-mercenary-group-ordered-arson-attack-on-london-warehouse-linked-to-ukraine-old-bailey-hears-13379187 – Arsonists set fire to a London warehouse linked to Ukraine after one of the men who orchestrated the attack was recruited by a Russian mercenary group, a court has heard. Around £1m of damage was caused by the blaze at an industrial unit in Leyton that was supplying StarLink satellite equipment to Ukraine, the Old Bailey was told. The attack on 20 March last year was orchestrated by 20-year-old Dylan Earl—who was recruited by the Wagner Group—and Jake Reeves, 23, jurors heard. Reeves, of Croydon, has pleaded guilty to agreeing to accept a material benefit from a foreign intelligence service under the National Security Act 2023. Earl, of Elmesthorpe, Leicestershire, has pleaded guilty to aggravated arson and preparatory conduct under the National Security Act 2023. The court was told the pair had gone on to plot more arson attacks on a restaurant and wine shop in Mayfair and the kidnap of their multi-millionaire owner, who was a Russian dissident. ([news.sky.com](https://news.sky.com/story/russian-mercenary-group-ordered-arson-attack-on-london-warehouse-linked-to-ukraine-old-bailey-hears-13379187?utm_source=openai))
- https://www.standard.co.uk/news/crime/russian-spy-arson-attack-dylan-earl-wagner-group-putin-b1156874.html – Alleged Russian spy Dylan Earl was remanded in custody at the Old Bailey until his trial next year. Dylan Earl appeared at the Old Bailey (Jonathan Brady/PA) PA Archive Tristan Kirk, Courts Correspondent @kirkkorner10 May 2024 A British man accused of acting as a Russian spy while orchestrating an arson attack on Ukraine-linked business in London is set to stand trial at the Old Bailey next summer. Dylan James Earl, 20, carried out reconnaissance of targets, recruitment, and fraud in a bid to provide useful information to Moscow, it is said. He was allegedly taking instructions from the Wagner Group, a private paramilitary organisation proscribed under UK law as a terror group which has strong ties to the Kremlin and Vladimir Putin’s regime. Earl was allegedly the architect of an arson attack on two industrial units in Staffa Road, Leyton, east London on March 20. Ukrainian-linked businesses owned by “Oddisey” and “Meest UK” are said to have been the target of the fire, which took 60 firefighters more than four hours to bring under control. Earl, who hails from the small village of Elmesthorpe in Leicestershire, appeared at the Old Bailey on Friday, charged alongside co-defendants Nii Kojo Mensah, 21, from Thornton Heath, Paul Adrian English, 60, from Putney, and Jake Reeves and Dmitrijus Paulauska, both 22, from Croydon. ([standard.co.uk](https://www.standard.co.uk/news/crime/russian-spy-arson-attack-dylan-earl-wagner-group-putin-b1156874.html?utm_source=openai))
- https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/06/04/6-go-on-trial-over-london-arson-attack-blamed-on-russias-wagner-group-a89343 – Six men went on trial on Wednesday over an arson attack that prosecutors say was carried out on behalf of Russia’s Wagner mercenary group on a business in London involved in shipping goods to Ukraine. The warehouse units torched in March last year on an industrial estate in east London belonged to Oddisey, a company that delivered packages and humanitarian aid to Ukraine, including satellite equipment from Elon Musk’s Starlink. Russia began a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Paul English, 61, Nii Kojo Mensah, 23, Jakeem Rose, 23, and Ugnius Asmena, 20, deny charges of aggravated arson. Dmitrijus Paulauskas, 23, and Ashton Evans … deny knowing about terrorist acts but failing to disclose the information. Prosecutor Duncan Penny told London’s Old Bailey court that the arson was criminality “at the behest of foreign influence.” He said it was organized by Dylan Earl, who was “knowingly acting at the behest of the Wagner Group,” banned by Britain as a terrorist organization. ([themoscowtimes.com](https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/06/04/6-go-on-trial-over-london-arson-attack-blamed-on-russias-wagner-group-a89343?utm_source=openai))
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative is based on a recent press release from The Irish News, dated July 7, 2025. The earliest known publication date of substantially similar content is July 1, 2025, from the Financial Times. The report includes updated data but recycles older material, which may justify a higher freshness score but should still be flagged. The Financial Times article is a reputable source, enhancing the freshness score. ([ft.com](https://www.ft.com/content/c63e57e1-75df-4d9e-978a-2be7a5f28a51?utm_source=openai))
Quotes check
Score:
7
Notes:
The narrative includes direct quotes from the Financial Times article, such as:
> “Jurors have retired to consider their verdicts in the trial of six men accused of taking part in an arson attack on a London business allegedly ordered by the Kremlin-backed Wagner mercenary group.” ([ft.com](https://www.ft.com/content/c63e57e1-75df-4d9e-978a-2be7a5f28a51?utm_source=openai))
These quotes appear verbatim in the Financial Times article, indicating potential reuse of content. The wording matches exactly, suggesting the quotes are not original to the report.
Source reliability
Score:
6
Notes:
The narrative originates from The Irish News, a reputable organisation. However, the report heavily relies on content from the Financial Times, which is a more authoritative source. This reliance on a single source for substantial portions of the content raises questions about the originality and independence of the reporting.
Plausability check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative aligns with known facts about the arson attack in Leyton, London, on March 20, 2024, which caused approximately £1 million in damages. The involvement of the Wagner Group and the recruitment of individuals like Dylan Earl and Jake Reeves have been reported by multiple reputable outlets, including the Financial Times and the BBC. The narrative’s claims are consistent with these reports, suggesting a high level of plausibility. ([ft.com](https://www.ft.com/content/c63e57e1-75df-4d9e-978a-2be7a5f28a51?utm_source=openai), [bbc.co.uk](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cvgexrw3x2xo?utm_source=openai))
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): FAIL
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative fails due to its heavy reliance on recycled content from the Financial Times, including verbatim quotes, which raises concerns about originality and potential disinformation. While the Financial Times is a reputable source, the lack of independent reporting and the reuse of content without proper attribution diminish the credibility of the report.
