Suspect ordered to burn car from Ukraine, court told

A Belarusian national was told to set fire to a Ukraine-registered car for money after making contact with a Russian language website, a court has heard.

Artsem Sadardzinau, 30, from Rutland, has been charged with conspiracy with others to commit arson to damage a vehicle by fire between 31 August and 15 February.

He appeared at the Old Bailey on Friday via video-link from prison for a preliminary hearing, in which the prosecution said he visited a website which "appears to support and facilitate unlawful activity".

A provisional trial date was set for 6 April 2027 in Leicester, and Sadardzinau was remanded into custody.

The defendant indicated through his lawyer that he would plead not guilty to the charge against him.

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