A UK court has convicted three men for their involvement in an arson attack on a warehouse in east London, which authorities claim was orchestrated by Russian intelligence. The attack, which took place on March 20, 2024, targeted a facility storing equipment intended for Ukraine, including generators and Starlink satellite systems. These systems are crucial for Ukraine’s military operations against Russian forces.

Prosecutors revealed that the plot was masterminded by agents of Russia’s Wagner mercenary group, acting on behalf of Russian military intelligence. The British government has classified Wagner as a terrorist organization. The group allegedly used British intermediaries to recruit the perpetrators, aiming to disrupt European support for Ukraine amidst ongoing tensions.

The jury at London’s Central Criminal Court found Jakeem Rose, 23; Ugnius Asmena, 20; and Nii Mensah, 23, guilty of aggravated arson. Meanwhile, Paul English, 61, was acquitted of all charges. The fire resulted in approximately £1 million ($1.35 million) in damages.

Dylan Earl, 21, and Jake Reeves, 23, who orchestrated the attack on behalf of the Wagner Group, had already pleaded guilty to aggravated arson and offenses under the UK’s National Security Act 2023 before the trial commenced. The case highlights ongoing concerns about Russian influence and proxy activities across Europe.

In a related development, another individual was convicted for failing to disclose information about terrorist acts linked to the arson plot. This case underscores the broader campaign of disruption attributed to Moscow and its proxies by Western officials.