A British court has handed down significant prison sentences to five men involved in an arson attack orchestrated by Russian intelligence, marking a critical moment in the fight against foreign sabotage. The attack, which targeted a London warehouse storing satellite communication devices destined for Ukraine, was part of a broader campaign of terrorism and disruption linked to the Wagner paramilitary group. Sentences ranged from seven to 17 years, with Dylan Earl, the mastermind, receiving the harshest penalty. The court revealed that the arson was part of a coordinated European-wide sabotage effort, with similar attacks documented across the continent since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The judge emphasized that the case underscores Russia’s attempts to exert global influence through covert operations and online recruitment. This is the first instance of sentencing under the UK’s National Security Act of 2023, designed to counter espionage and sabotage by foreign states. The attack caused £1 million in damages and was linked to a subsequent arson in Spain, highlighting the transnational nature of the plot. European intelligence officials warn of escalating risks as Russian-directed saboteurs target civilian infrastructure, aiming to destabilize societies and drain law enforcement resources. The case serves as a stark warning against engaging in activities that undermine national security.
Men sentenced over London arson attack masterminded by Russia as part of a wider sabotage campaign
