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In a significant development, two more individuals have been charged in connection with an ongoing investigation into alleged offences under the National Security Act. This investigation is part of a broader Counter Terrorism Policing operation.
Jakeem Barrington Rose, 22, from Croydon, and Ugnius Asmena, 19, from Wandsworth, are set to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court today, Saturday, 3 August. Both have been charged with aggravated arson, contrary to sections 1(2) and (3) of the Criminal Damage Act 1971. Additionally, Rose faces charges for possession of an offensive weapon in both a public and a private place.
The charges come following their arrests on Thursday, 1 August.
Commander Dominic Murphy, Head of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, reassured the public, stating, “While these are very serious allegations, I want to reassure the public that we do not believe there to be any wider threat to them in connection with this matter. This investigation remains ongoing, but now that charges have been brought, I would urge everyone to respect the criminal justice process and not to speculate or comment further in relation to this case.”
This follows earlier charges announced in April under the National Security Act, marking the first such charges since the legislation was introduced in December 2023. Those previously charged include:
- Dylan James Earl, 20, from Elmesthorpe, Leicestershire, was charged with aggravated arson, preparatory conduct under the National Security Act 2023, and assisting a foreign intelligence service.
- Jake Reeves, 22, from Croydon, was charged with aggravated arson and agreeing to accept a material benefit from a foreign intelligence service.
- Dmitrijus Paulauska, 22, from Croydon, was charged with failing to disclose information about terrorist acts under the Terrorism Act 2000.
- Paul English, 60, from Roehampton, and Nii Kojo Mensah, 22, from Thornton Heath, both charged with aggravated arson in London in March.
The Crown Prosecution Service had authorized these charges, which relate to activities involving the Russian state. A pre-trial plea hearing for the initial group of defendants is scheduled for 4 October, with a trial set to begin at the Old Bailey in June 2025.
The investigation is being led by the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command and supported by officers from CTP East Midlands, Leicestershire Police, CTP South East, and Kent Police. Enquiries remain ongoing.
The public is encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities as the investigation continues.
