A business premises in East London with connections to Ukraine was the victim of an arson attack in March.
Now two British men are charged with complicity in the fire and for having connections to the Russian intelligence service.
– We will continue to work with our allies to deter and defend against all types of threats coming from Russia, says a spokesperson for the British Foreign Office.
The two British men who are in their 20s are suspected of the arson in March and of having links to a foreign intelligence service, reports the BBC.
According to the British police’s anti-terrorist unit, they together with three other men must have planned and carried out the arson attack. In the affected business premises, there are two postal companies already registered.
Carried out the deed to benefit Russia
One of the men is accused of helping a foreign intelligence service. He is also said to have carried out the arson “with the aim of benefiting the Russian state”, according to the police. He becomes the first Briton to be charged under the country’s new espionage law, reports The Independent.
According to documents from the court, the man should also have connections to the former paramilitary Wagner group, reports the British news agency PA.
– The alleged acts included participation in the planning of an arson attack on a business premises linked to Ukraine, says Nick Price, head of the police’s anti-terror unit.
The other man is not charged with helping the Russian intelligence service, but with receiving money he knew came from the organization. The two men are also charged with the arson itself.
According to the indictment, the crime must have been carried out together with three other men. However, they are only charged with arson.
Called up Russia’s ambassador
Following the accusations that the Russian intelligence service must have links to the act, the Russian ambassador Andrey Kelin has been summoned to the British Foreign Office.
A spokesperson for the British Foreign Ministry states that they are “deeply concerned” about the information about Russia’s involvement in the crime.
– We will continue to work with our allies to deter and defend against any type of threat coming from Russia, says a spokesperson for the British Foreign Office.