UK MEN CONVICTED OF RUSSIAN-BACKED ARSON ATTACK ON UKRAINE-LINKED WAREHOUSE
A London court has convicted three men of a deliberate arson attack on a warehouse that supplied aid to Ukraine. The attack, which caused significant damage, was linked to the Russian mercenary group Wagner. Jakeem Rose, Ugnius Asmena, and Nii Mensah were found guilty of aggravated arson with intent to endanger life. The court heard that the men had been recruited by Dylan Earl, who had ties to the Wagner Group. The warehouse, which stored humanitarian aid and goods bound for Ukraine, was targeted in the attack. CCTV footage and livestream video showed the men setting the warehouse ablaze, causing extensive damage. Prosecutors said the attack was part of a larger plot to disrupt Ukraine’s supply chain and support Russia’s interests. The men were motivated by their allegiance to the Wagner Group, a private military company with ties to the Russian state. The convictions highlight the growing concern over Russian interference in the UK and the use of proxy agents to carry out covert operations. Authorities have emphasized the seriousness of such offenses and the potential consequences for those involved. The case demonstrates the UK’s commitment to investigating and prosecuting individuals involved in hostile activities on its soil.