Dylan Earl (left) and Jake Reeves were handed lengthy prison terms on Friday. Metropolitan Police/PA
As reported by CNN
In London, the chief organizer of the arson attack on a British company that supplied Elon Musk’s Starlink internet terminals to Ukraine was sentenced to 17 years in prison for an alleged protracted campaign of terrorism and sabotage on British soil.
Dylan Earl, 21, pleaded guilty to arson with aggravating circumstances and also admitted guilt under the National Security Law, introduced after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine to counter threats that go beyond traditional espionage.
Jake Reeves, 23, likewise pleaded guilty to arson with aggravating circumstances and in connection with the National Security Law. He was sentenced to 12 years in prison.
Four other defendants were convicted in July for taking part in a conspiracy to set fire to a warehouse in the eastern London industrial area on behalf of Wagner, the Russian mercenary group that fought in Ukraine and has been designated a terrorist organization in the United Kingdom.
The investigation underscores how similar so-called Russian “shadow” operations are becoming in Europe: Moscow relies not on well-trained agents, but on a network of petty criminals, some of whom may sympathize with Russia, others simply seeking money.
«This case demonstrates how vital the National Security Law is for protecting the United Kingdom from hostile state activity and for ensuring full accountability for those who attempt to undermine our security.»
General Context and Reaction
As part of the broader unfolding, British authorities report a rise in the number of so-called “proxies” – people recruited by foreign intelligence services to carry out tasks off the books. Experts explain that this tactic signals changes in the hybrid nature of threats, where petty criminals can operate within a much larger scheme.
The study also mentions possible plans to attack aimed at sparking fires in retail premises in various European countries, notably Poland and Lithuania, as well as cyberattacks and vandalism in France. Russia denies involvement in such actions.
Gabrielius Landsbergis, former Lithuanian foreign minister, stressed that attempts to disrupt national security can be likened to a game of whack-a-mole: “You catch one – Russia easily replaces him with several others, hired via Telegram.”
«You catch one – Russia easily replaces them with several others, hired through Telegram.»
During the review of case materials, hundreds of exchanges on social networks were recorded, indicating a new format of hybrid sabotage. Images and messages from active accounts connected with the network and past operations point to attempts to recruit people to participate in similar actions in Europe.
For taking part in the attack on the facility in London, Earl received a 17-year sentence; Reeves – 12 years. As part of the investigation, other participants were brought to account, including three people detained on suspicion of spying for Russia.
Following the verdicts, authorities stressed the importance of the National Security Law in protecting the United Kingdom from actions by hostile states and in ensuring accountability for those who undermine national security. Such cases underscore the need for vigilance and coordination between law enforcement agencies and intelligence services of member states to reduce risks in the future.
Don’t miss other news:
- Almaty court sentenced Kazakh citizen Timur Praliev to five years for participating in foreign armed conflicts after recruitment by Russian PMC Wagner to fight against Ukraine.
- The European Parliament condemns Russia’s provocative actions against EU security and critical infrastructure, calling for coordinated defense, stronger sanctions, and enhanced cooperation with Ukraine.
- Diesel generators at the occupied Zaporizhzhia NPP can operate long if fuel lasts, but risks remain amid blackouts and sabotage concerns.
