British man with 'Russian ties' admits setting fire to Ukraine-linked business in London after getting paid by foreign intelligence

The Croydon resident appeared at Woolwich Crown Court via video link, where he also pleaded guilty to obtaining a material benefit from a foreign intelligence service under the National Security Act 2023.

Reeves denied an additional charge under the same law of engaging in preparatory conduct for an act involving serious violence and endangering life in the UK.

Court sketch of Dmitrijus Paulauska and Jake Reeves (right) appearing at Westminster magistrates' court in central London earlier this year

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Five other men have been charged in connection with the investigation.

Paul English, 61, Nii Kojo Mensah, 22, Jakeem Barrington Rose, 22, and Ugnius Asmena, 19, all face charges of aggravated arson related to the fire on March 20.

The charge alleges they "damaged by fire commercial premises belonging to Mr X intending to destroy such property and being reckless as to whether life would be endangered".

English, Mensah and Rose have entered not guilty pleas to the arson charge, while Asmena has yet to enter a plea.

Reeves appeared at Woolwich Crown Court via video link

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Rose has additionally pleaded guilty to possession of a knife in a public place.

A sixth defendant, Dmitrijus Paulauskas, 22, has pleaded not guilty to failing to disclose information about terrorist acts.

A trial for the outstanding charges is scheduled to take place at the Old Bailey in June next year.

Both Reeves and Earl will be sentenced after the conclusion of this trial.

Earl was notably the first person to be charged under Section 18 of the Act, which was specifically introduced to address threats from hostile states targeting the UK.