Men sentenced over London arson attack masterminded by Russia as part of a wider sabotage campaign

LONDON — A British judge on Friday sentenced five men for their roles in an arson attack in London that authorities say was masterminded by Russian intelligence as part of a wider campaign of sabotage and disruption.

Their sentences ranged from seven to 17 years in prison. Another man was sentenced for not disclosing information about a plot to burn a London restaurant.

Five men were involved in a plot to set fire to a warehouse in east London in March 2024 that contained satellite communication devices destined for Ukraine.

The judge said that the arson — organized on behalf of the Wagner paramilitary group — was part of a planned campaign of terrorism and sabotage in the Russian state's interests. It was likely linked, she said, to another arson attack against a warehouse in Spain.

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