For Russia's money: Briton admits to setting fire to business linked to Ukraine

For Russia's money: a Briton confessed to setting fire to a business linked to Ukraine Sofia Khushvakhtova

A British man has been accused in London of setting fire to a business linked to Ukraine in favour of a foreign intelligence service. The case is linked to Russia and the country's new security laws.

A 22-year-old British man has admitted setting fire to a commercial property in London in a bid to help finance a foreign intelligence service. He was reportedly paid by a foreign intelligence service, and prosecutors say the case is linked to Russia. This was reported by 24 Kanal, citing Reuters.

What is known about the case of the arson of an enterprise linked to Ukraine in London

Jake Reeves pleaded guilty at Crown Court in Woolwich, where he was charged with serious arson at an industrial complex in east London. He also admitted receiving material benefits from foreign intelligence under the UK's new national security legislation.

He also denied another charge of “acting to endanger the life of a person or to create a serious risk to the health or safety of the public.”

Please note! Earlier this month, another suspect, Dylan Earle, also pleaded guilty to arson and preparation of criminal activity. Earle's case, like Reeves', involves foreign countries. Prosecutors said his actions were in favor of Russia, though details of the indictment against Reeves have not yet been released.

Three other men have pleaded not guilty to arson, and one has not entered a plea. Those men will be tried in June 2025, and Earl and Reeves will be sentenced after the trial.