Two Britons accused of planning attacks on sites linked to Ukraine for the Russians

Twenty-year-old Dylan Earl faces charges of “aiding a foreign intelligence service” and 22-year-old Jake Reeves of “receiving a material gift from a foreign intelligence service.” According to the indictment, the men planned attacks on businesses connected to Ukraine. The British Foreign Office will demand an explanation in connection with their case from the Russian ambassador Andrey Kelin, which summoned him on Friday.

Suspect Earl appeared in court a few days ago, but prosecutors only reported on the case on Friday. The court sent him into pretrial detention along with four other suspects who face less serious charges. All but one face arson charges, according to the BBC.

Earl, according to investigators, acted on behalf of Russia as he researched possible targets for the attacks and tried to recruit other people for actions supporting foreign intelligence. He himself faces suspicions of becoming a Russian spy, Sky News reports. The charges presented to the court link him to the paramilitary Wagner group, which Britain classifies as a terrorist organization.

They were betrayed by a warehouse fire

He came under the radar of the authorities, along with others, after a warehouse fire in east London in March, where dozens of firefighters intervened. Investigators talk about an arson attack on businesses “connected to Ukraine.” According to the BBC, two delivery services operate in the building.

“While we have to wait for the results of the court proceedings, I am deeply concerned by the allegations that British citizens have carried out criminal activities on British soil for the benefit of the Russian state,” British Foreign Secretary David Cameron responded to the case. “We will use the full weight of the criminal justice system to hold accountable anyone convicted of foreign-influenced crimes,” he added.

Both Reeves and Earl are the first people to be charged under the new law against espionage, sabotage and foreign interference, according to the BBC. At the time of its approval, the British government said the purpose of the regulation was to strengthen the defense of “British democracy, economy and values” against hostile activity by foreign states.

All five suspects are due to appear again at a London court on May 10.