Individuals linked to the Wagner Group were jailed for carrying out an arson attack on a warehouse in Leyton, resulting in significant damage to supplies intended for Ukraine. The judge referred to their actions as a “planned campaign of terrorism and sabotage”. The incident, which took place on March 20 the previous year, caused approximately £1 million in damages. These individuals, following an investigation by the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, were sentenced at the Old Bailey.
Dylan Earl, 21, initiated contact with the Wagner Group in 2023 and orchestrated the arson attack by recruiting a group of men. The group was also involved in surveilling businesses in Mayfair for potential future attacks. The chain of recruitment led to the involvement of Jake Reeves, Nii Kojo Mensah, Jakeem Rose, and Ugnius Asmena in the criminal activity.
Evidence presented during the trial strongly linked the individuals to the warehouse arson. Surveillance footage captured Rose and Mensah approaching the warehouses after climbing over a wall. Subsequently, Mensah messaged Earl about the incident, mentioning the smoke and its coverage in the news.
Prosecutors revealed that Earl and Reeves had orchestrated the arson on behalf of Russia, while the others were motivated by financial gains. Earl expressed his eagerness to carry out further missions for the Wagner Group. The arrests were captured in dramatic footage showing police apprehending Earl and reading him his rights.
Commander Dominic Murphy emphasized the severity of the situation, stating that the arsonists posed a significant risk to the public. The group’s actions were described as criminal acts carried out on behalf of Russia. The prosecution marked a crucial moment in national security efforts, supported by legislation empowering law enforcement agencies to combat threats effectively.
In sentencing, Earl received 17 years in prison and Reeves was sentenced to 12 years, both with additional years on extended licence. Jakeem Rose was jailed for eight years and 10 months, Nii Mensah for nine years, and Ugnius Asmena for seven years. The judge highlighted the seriousness of their actions and the precedent set by this case in convicting British criminals acting as proxies for the Wagner Group.
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