The UK Metropolitan Counterterrorism Police in London had a busy week as they detained several members of an alleged Russian sabotage ring, as well as uncovering two UK nationals suspected of spying on behalf of China.
1) The UK CT police arrested a British man accused of orchestrating arson attacks on Ukrainian-linked businesses in London reportedly on behalf of the Wagner Group. Dylan Earl (20) conducted reconnaissance of Ukrainian targets “in relation to activity intended to benefit Russia”. Court documents show Dylan Earl recruited and paid saboteurs to carry out arson attacks on Ukrainian-linked businesses in east London owned by “Oddisey” and “Meest UK”. Paul English (60) and Nii Mensah (21) were charged with aggravated arson.
The investigation widened and police made a total of eight arrests, although one suspect was released without charge. This Russian sabotage ring was rendered ineffective through the UK’s National Security Act, enacted last December 2023.
UK Metropolitan Police Press Release for Russian sabotage case: news.met.police.uk/…
2) The UK CT police officers also arrested and charged two Britons with spying for China. Parliamentary researcher Christopher Cash (29) and academic Christopher Berry (32) were released on bail after appearing in court on Official Secrets Act (OSA) charges. Both men who held Parliamentary security clearances were first questioned in March 2023.
UK Metropolitan Police Press Release for Chinese espionage case: news.met.police.uk/…