Russian mercenary group ordered arson attack on London warehouse linked to Ukraine, Old Bailey hears

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.

Read more: Sky News