UK convicts Wagner agents over arson targeting Starlink aid for Ukraine

According to British officials, the attack was orchestrated on behalf of Russia's Wagner mercenary group and is part of a broader campaign of malign activity by Russia on UK soil.

The fire, which occurred last year in an industrial area in East London, targeted two sites. One of them belonged to a company involved in shipping goods to Ukraine, including Starlink satellite equipment.

During hearings at the Old Bailey, prosecutor Duncan Penny stated that the arson attack in the East London industrial area was organized by 21-year-old Dylan Earl. He pleaded guilty to arson under aggravating circumstances and to an offense under the National Security Act. Earl became the first person convicted under this law, which came into force last year.

According to the prosecutor, Earl knowingly acted under the direction of the Wagner group, which is designated as a terrorist organization in the UK. He also understood that he was acting against Ukraine and in the interests of Russia.

In addition to Earl, several others were involved in the case. 23-year-olds Nii Kojo Mensah and Jahkeim Rose, along with 20-year-old Ugnius Asmena, denied the arson charges but were found guilty by the jury. Meanwhile, 61-year-old Paul English was acquitted of the same charge.

Two more individuals – 23-year-old Dmitrius Paulauskas and 20-year-old Ashton Evans – were tried for failing to disclose information about the preparation of a terrorist act. Paulauskas was acquitted on both counts, while Evans was convicted on one.

As previously reported, Russia has used packages containing sex toys and cosmetics to carry out explosions across Europe, with Ukrainian nationals recruited for some operations.

The Guardian also previously reported that Russian spies may have been behind the arson of a DHL warehouse in the UK.