Jakeem Rose (23), Ugnius Asmena (20), and Nii Mensah (23) were convicted of aggravated arson with intent to endanger life at the Old Bailey. The fire, which erupted on 20 March 2024 in Leyton, targeted a facility storing aid and internet equipment for Ukraine.

The operation was directed by Dylan Earl and Jake Reeves, who had previously pleaded guilty. Earl is the first person convicted under the National Security Act 2023, having coordinated with Wagner operatives via Telegram.

The fire caused around £1 million in damage, and eight fire engines responded to the scene. CCTV and livestream footage captured the suspects in the act.

While a fourth man, Paul English, was acquitted, Ashton Evans was found guilty of withholding information about terrorist activity. Another suspect, Dmitrijus Paulauskas, was cleared entirely.

This case underscores concerns over foreign mercenary group activity on UK soil and marks a precedent-setting use of newly established counterterror laws targeting state-sponsored threats.