A British man has been charged with conducting hostile state activity to benefit Russia, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has said.

Dylan Earl, 20, is alleged to have engaged in conduct targeting businesses which were linked to Ukraine in order to benefit the Russian state.

Nick Price, head of the CPS’s special crime and counter terrorism division, said: “Included in the alleged activity was involvement in the planning of an arson attack on a Ukrainian-linked commercial property in March 2024.”

Four others have also been charged in connection with the investigation, the CPS said, after reporting restrictions were lifted on Friday.

Two other men – Paul English, 60, and Nii Mensah, 21 – have been charged with aggravated arson in connection with the case.

Jake Reeves, 22, has been charged with agreeing to accept a material benefit from a foreign intelligence service as well as aggravated arson.

A fifth man – Dmitrijus Paulauska, 22 – has been charged with having information about terrorist acts.

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“Criminal proceedings against these defendants are active,” said Mr Price.

“No one should report, comment or share information online which could in any way prejudice their right to a fair trial.”

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