A man from Watford who claimed to be a member of the infamous Wagner Group and threatened people with a knife at a combat re-enactment has been jailed.

Piotr Kucharski, of The Glebe, Watford, was sentenced to two-and-a-half years behind bars yesterday (November 1), following an investigation by the Eastern Region Special Operations Unit (ERSOU).

In October 2023, Kucharski attended a combat re-enactment in Stonham Aspal, Suffolk, despite previously being banned from the group.

While there he threatened other participants, telling people he was a member of Wagner Group and that he had previously fought in Ukraine.

Following a disagreement with another attendee, the 49-year-old made a cutthroat gesture and began slashing the air with a knife.

After officers from Suffolk Police were called, he was initially arrested for a public order offence and possession of a bladed article.

The 49-year-old threatened participants at a battle re-enactment.The 49-year-old threatened participants at a battle re-enactment. (Image: Eastern Region Special Operations Unit)

He was then subsequently re-arrested under terrorism legislation after officers noticed Wagner Group badges sown to his camouflage jacket.

The investigation was then passed to ERSOU’s Counter Terrorism Policing unit, with enquires showing he had gone to significant lengths to convince others he was a Wagner member.

Kucharski was charged with professing to be a member of a proscribed organisation, contrary to section 11 (1) of the Terrorism Act 2000.

There was no evidence to suggest that he was a legitimate member of the group, nor that he had fought in Ukraine, but purporting to be a member of a proscribed organisation is a serious offence under terrorism laws.

Kucharski will be subject to licensing conditions for a year post-release.

Hannah Wilkinson, Head of ERSOU, said: "Our Counter Terrorism Policing teams work tirelessly across the region to keep our communities safe, and we will continue to ensure those looking to cause harm and disruption are brought to justice.

"There’s no indication that Kucharski was a member of Wagner Group, however it’s clear that he was intent on causing distress by indicating he had fought for the organisation in Ukraine, particularly given he was carrying a knife at the time.

"I’m grateful to local officers for promptly arresting him after concerned members of the public raised the alarm.

"If you have any concerns about someone you know expressing extreme views, you can report them to your local force by calling 101 or 999 in an emergency, or by visiting the ACT early website."