Ringleader of Russia-Backed Arson Jailed for 17 Years, Plotted Kidnapping of Revolut CEO

London – Dylan Earl, the ringleader behind a 2024 arson attack on a London warehouse that stored aid for Ukraine, has been sentenced to 17 years in prison. UK prosecutors revealed that Earl, 21, discussed plans with his Russian handler to kidnap Revolut's Russia-born CEO, Nikolay Storonsky, as part of a wider campaign of sabotage. The sentencing, which also included five other men, marks the first convictions under the UK's National Security Act 2023.

The arson, which occurred in March 2024, targeted a facility in east London used to store humanitarian aid and Starlink satellite equipment destined for Ukraine. Prosecutors stated that Earl, along with accomplice Jake Reeves, 24, who received a 12-year sentence, acted as "hostile agents on behalf of the Russian state." The court heard that the attacks were orchestrated by Russia's Wagner mercenary group.

Evidence presented during the trial, including Telegram messages, showed Earl communicating with a Wagner handler known as 'Lucky Strike'. In these exchanges, Earl discussed kidnapping Nikolay Storonsky, whose Wikipedia entry was shared by the handler. Earl also plotted to burn down a warehouse in the Czech Republic for £35,000 and sought to pay a serving British soldier for intelligence.

Commander Dominic Murphy, head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, emphasized that the case exemplifies foreign states using "proxies" to conduct serious criminal activity. The arson caused approximately £1 million in damage and is believed to be part of a series of European-wide sabotage operations linked to Russia. Other men involved in the plot received sentences ranging from seven to nine years for their roles in the aggravated arson.

The UK government has stated that such sentences send a clear message that hostile activity by foreign states will not be tolerated. Security Minister Dan Jarvis warned that those acting for foreign states "will not receive their reward." Russia has consistently denied any involvement in these incidents.