Man jailed for falsely claiming membership of Wagner Group

A Hertfordshire man has been jailed following an investigation by the Eastern Region Special Operations Unit (ERSOU) after he was found with a knife at a fight re-enactment event and claimed membership of the outlawed group Wagner, say UK Counter Terrorism Police. in a news update.

Piotr KucharskiThe 49-year-old, from Watford, was arrested at a re-enactment event in Stonham Aspal, Suffolk, in October 2023.

Kucharski, who had previously been expelled from the group, allegedly threatened other participants, claimed to be a member of the Wagner Group and claimed to have fought in Ukraine. Witnesses reported him making a sharp gesture and slashing the air with a knife during an altercation with another participant.

Upon his initial arrest for a public order offense and possession of a bladed article, officers noticed Wagner Group badges sewn onto Kucharski’s camouflage jacket, leading to a further arrest under terrorism legislation.

A further investigation by the ERSOU counter-terrorism police unit revealed that Kucharski had gone to great lengths to convince others of his alleged association with the group, despite there being no evidence to support his claims or any indication that he had fought really in Ukraine.

Kucharski was later charged with professing membership of a proscribed organisation, specifically the Wagner Group, under section 11(1) of the Terrorism Act 2000. At a hearing at the Central Criminal Court, he received a sentence of two and half. years in prison, with an additional year on license after release. He will also be subject to notification requirements under terrorism legislation for ten years.

Hannah Wilkinson, head of ERSOU, commented on the case, stating: “Our counter-terrorism policing teams are working tirelessly across the region to keep our communities safe and we will continue to ensure that those who seek to cause harm and disruption are brought to justice. There is no indication that Kucharski was a member of the Wagner Group. However, it is clear that he intended to cause trouble, indicating that he fought for the organization in Ukraine, especially considering that he was carrying a knife at the time. I am grateful to the local officers for promptly arresting him after concerned members of the public raised the alarm.”