Briton accused of arson plot after alleged recruitment as Russian spy

A British man is accused of masterminding an arson plot on London businesses linked to Ukraine after allegedly being recruited as a Russian spy.

A Ukraine-linked business was targeted in an arson attack, police say. Pic: London Fire Brigade

Dylan Earl is alleged to have engaged in conduct targeting the businesses in order to benefit the Russian state.

He has been charged under the National Security Act 2023 – the first case to involve alleged offences under the new legislation.

Earl is accused of undertaking fraudulent activity, research and reconnaissance of targets, and attempting to recruit individuals to materially assist a foreign intelligence service carrying out UK-related activities, prosecutors say.

He is alleged to be connected to the proscribed terrorist group the Wagner Group, court documents show.

The 20-year-old is accused of organising and paying for an arson attack on two units on an industrial estate in Leyton, east London, on 20 March.

The blaze required 60 firefighters to bring it under control and the alleged target of the fire is labelled as “Mr X” in the charges.

Four others have also been charged in connection with the case, it can now be reported.

Reporting restrictions were lifted today allowing all the defendants to be named, the CPS said in a statement.

Two other men – Paul English, 60, and Nii Mensah, 21 – have been charged with aggravated arson.

Jake Reeves, 22, has been charged with agreeing to accept a material benefit from a foreign intelligence service – as well as aggravated arson.

A fifth man – Dmitrijus Paulauska, 22 – has been charged with having information about terrorist acts.

Earl appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court in central London on Saturday – and English and Mensah on Monday. They were all remanded in custody to appear at the Old Bailey on 10 May.

Reeves and Paulauska appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court today – and their cases 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 want to reassure the public that we do not believe there to be any wider threat to them in connection with this matter.”

He added: “This investigation remains ongoing.”

Nick Price, head of the CPS’s special crime and counter terrorism division, said: “Criminal proceedings against these defendants are active. No one should report, comment or share information online which could in any way prejudice their right to a fair trial.”