Two More Charged Under UK National Security Act After Russian Intelligence Backed Arson Attack in London

Two more people have been charged in connection with an investigation into alleged offences, including an arson attack and terrorist related activities, under the National Security Act, as part of a Counter Terrorism Policing investigation.

Jakeem Barrington Rose, 22,  Ugnius Asmena, 19,  were due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Saturday, 4th August, both charged with aggravated arson.

Rose was further charged with one count of possession of an offensive weapon in a public place and one count of possession of an offensive weapon in a private place.

They were arrested on Thursday, August 1st.

Commander Dominic Murphy, Head of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, which is leading the investigation, said: “While these are very serious allegations, I want to reassure the public that we do not believe there to be any wider threat to them in connection with this matter.

“This investigation remains ongoing, but now that charges have been brought about I would urge everyone to respect the criminal justice process and not to speculate or comment further in relation to this case.”

In April police announced that the Crown Prosecution Service had authorised charges for offences under the National Security Act – the first brought under the legislation introduced in Dec 2023.

Those charged were:

Dylan James Earl, 20, was charged on Friday, April 19th with aggravated arson, preparatory conduct, contrary to section 18 of the National Security Act 2023; and assisting a foreign intelligence service.

According to the BBC, Mr Earl is “alleged to have engaged in conduct targeting businesses which were linked to Ukraine in order to benefit the Russian state”.

He is also accused of attempting to recruit individuals to materially assist a foreign intelligence service, undertaking fraudulent activity and arson.

Jake Reeves, 22 was charged on Thursday, April 25th with aggravated arson, and agreeing to accept a material benefit from a foreign intelligence service, contrary to section 17(2) and (11) of the National Security Act 2023.

Dmitrijus Paulauska, 22, was charged on Thursday, April 25th with failing to disclose information to police about terrorist acts, contrary to section 38B of the Terrorism Act, 2000.

Paul English, 60, and Nii Kojo Mensah, 22 were charged on Sunday, April 21st with aggravated arson.

A pre-trial plea hearing has been set for October 4th with a trial expected to begin at the Old Bailey in June 2025.

The foreign state to which these charges relate is Russia.

The investigation is being led by officers from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command and has been supported by officers from CTP East Midlands, Leicestershire Police, CTP South East and Kent Police. Enquiries remain ongoing.

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