London, UK – A British court has convicted three men of aggravated arson in connection with an attack on a London warehouse in March 2024 that stored humanitarian supplies bound for Ukraine, an incident authorities allege was orchestrated by Russian intelligence.
Following a trial at London’s Central Criminal Court, commonly known as the Old Bailey, a jury on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, found Jakeem Rose, 23; Ugnius Asmena, 20; and Nii Mensah, 23, guilty of the charge.
The Attack and Its Target
The conviction stems from an arson attack that took place on March 20, 2024, at an east London warehouse situated in the Leyton area. The facility housed critical equipment, including generators and StarLink satellite terminals, specifically intended for delivery to Ukraine. The fire caused extensive damage, estimated at a cost of 1 million pounds, equivalent to approximately $1.35 million USD.
Prosecutors presented evidence alleging that the attack was far from a simple act of vandalism or petty crime. Instead, they contended that it was part of a deliberate and directed operation orchestrated by agencies of the Russian state.
Allegations of Russian Orchestration
British authorities and prosecutors involved in the case stated their belief that the arson was organized by Russian intelligence. More specifically, they alleged the involvement of agents from Russia’s Wagner mercenary group, acting on behalf of Russian military intelligence. The Wagner Group is a paramilitary organization that has been extensively involved in conflicts globally, including Ukraine, and has been designated as a terrorist organization by the British government.
The prosecution argued that the plot to attack the warehouse and disrupt the flow of aid to Ukraine was implemented through intermediaries operating within the United Kingdom, highlighting the transnational nature of the alleged state-sponsored activity.
The Recruitment Chain and Prior Admissions
Central to the prosecution’s case was the assertion that the convicted men were recruited through British intermediaries who were working on behalf of the alleged Russian orchestrators. Prosecutors specifically named Dylan Earl, 21, and Jake Reeves, 23, as individuals who allegedly facilitated the recruitment of Rose, Asmena, and Mensah for the attack.
Significantly, Earl and Reeves had previously faced legal proceedings related to their involvement. Before the commencement of the trial against Rose, Asmena, and Mensah, both Earl and Reeves had entered guilty pleas to charges of aggravated arson. Crucially, they admitted to committing the arson on behalf of the Wagner Group, directly acknowledging the link to the designated terrorist organization. They also pleaded guilty to offenses under the U.K.’s National Security Act 2023, legislation designed to counter threats from hostile states, further underscoring the national security implications authorities attributed to the incident.
The Trial Outcome and Acquittal
The trial at the Central Criminal Court focused on the involvement of the three men ultimately convicted: Jakeem Rose, Ugnius Asmena, and Nii Mensah. The jury, after considering the evidence presented, found them guilty of aggravated arson on July 8, 2025.
A fourth individual charged in connection with the incident, Paul English, aged 61, faced a different outcome. English, who was alleged to have been paid to drive the others involved in the attack, was acquitted by the jury. He maintained throughout the proceedings that he had no knowledge of the purpose of the journey or the plan to start a fire at the warehouse.
Broader Context of Hostile Activity
Authorities have described the arson attack in Leyton as more than an isolated criminal act. They view it as part of a pattern of disruptive activities allegedly carried out by Moscow and its proxies across Europe. This broader campaign is seen by Western security agencies as an attempt by Russia to destabilize countries, sow discord, and impede support for Ukraine through various covert means, including sabotage and arson.
The conviction of the three men underscores the determination of British authorities to prosecute individuals involved in acts of disruption on UK soil, particularly when those acts are alleged to be linked to hostile foreign state intelligence operations and target critical supplies destined for international aid efforts.
