Russia's Wagner mercenaries ordered 3 people guilty in British arson attack – Country
Three men were found guilty of arson attack on a London-related business, British officials say it was ordered by Russia's Wagner mercenary group and is the latest malicious activity on behalf of Moscow.
Last year, a fire at an industrial estate in East London targeted two units, one for a company that shipped parcels to Ukraine, including satellite equipment from Elon Musk's Starlink.
Prosecutor Duncan Penny told the Old Bailey Court in London at the beginning of last month the arson was organized by 21-year-old Dylan Earl, who pleaded guilty to aggravated arson and charged under the National Security Act.
The Count's plea of guilty for precautions against life-threatening acts made him the first to be convicted under the National Security Act, which last year proposed to address hostile activities in foreign countries.
Penny said the Count “will intend to act as required by the Wagner Group” and was banned as a terrorist organization and “knowing that he was opposing the Ukrainians and in the interest of Russia.”
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Nii Kojo Mensah, 23, Jakeem Rose, 23, and Ugnius Asmena, 20, denied aggravated charges but were convicted in a jury at Old Bailey Court in London. Paul English, 61, was cleared of the same charges.
Dmitrijus Paulauskas, 23, and Ashton Evans, 20, denied two terrorist acts but failed to disclose information. Evans was found guilty of one charge and cleared the second charge while Paulauskas was acquitted.
