A British man accused of being a spy for Russia allegedly recruited two Kremlin hitmen to burn down a building in London.
The 20-year-old has been charged with conducting hostile activity in the UK in order to benefit Russia, and four others have been charged in connection with the investigation, the Crown Prosecution Service said after reporting restrictions were lifted on Friday.
The Metropolitan Police charged Dylan Earl, a 20-year-old British man, with conducting hostile activity in the UK to benefit a foreign state, namely Russia.
According to Nick Price, Head of the CPS Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division, Earl is alleged to have engaged in conduct targeting businesses linked to Ukraine with the aim of benefiting the Russian state.
“Included in the alleged activity was involvement in the planning of an arson attack on a Ukrainian-linked commercial property in March 2024,” Price said.
Two more men were charged on Sunday, 21 April 2024, and another two on Thursday, 25 April 2024, with connected offences.
Specific reporting restrictions related to the case have now been lifted, allowing the defendants’ names to be published.
The following are the individuals and their respective charges:
- Dylan Earl: Aggravated arson reckless as to whether life will be endangered, preparatory conduct to an act endangering life or a person, and assisting a foreign intelligence service.
- Paul English: Aggravated arson reckless as to whether life will be endangered.
- Nii Mensah: Aggravated arson reckless as to whether life will be endangered.
- Jake Reeves: Aggravated arson reckless as to whether life will be endangered and agreeing to accept a material benefit from a foreign intelligence service.
- Dmitrijus Paulauska: Having information about terrorist acts.
Nick Price emphasized that “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.” All five men will next appear at the Central Criminal Court on a date yet to be confirmed.
