Full Breakdown
Trial of Three Men Accused of Arson on Properties Linked to Prime Minister Keir Starmer
4/30/2026, 12:03:17 AM
Arson Attacks on Starmer-Linked Properties
In May 2025 three fires were set in north-London: a Toyota RAV4 formerly owned by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, a house on Ellington Road managed by a firm where Starmer was a former director, and a house on Countess Road still owned by Starmer and occupied by his sister-in-law. Prosecutors allege a Russian-speaking Telegram user known as “El Money” coordinated the attacks, which were carried out by three men.
Key Figures and Charges
The accused are Roman Lavrynovych (22, Ukrainian, Lewisham), Petro Pochynok (35, Ukrainian, Islington) and Stanislav Carpiuc (27, Romanian born in Ukraine, Romford). Lavrynovych faces three counts of arson with intent to endanger life; the other two are charged with conspiracy to commit arson. All plead not guilty.
Timeline and Evidence
The car was set alight on 8 May, a house on Ellington Road on 11 May, and the Countess Road house on 12 May. Over 320 Telegram messages between Lavrynovych and “El Money” from September 2024 were presented. CCTV shows Lavrynovych buying white spirit at a B&Q store before the car fire; video shows a match igniting accelerant at each site. The messages promise cryptocurrency payment, though receipt is unproven.
Official Statements & Judicial Instructions
Prosecutor Duncan Atkinson KC described the fires as “planned and directed” and said setting fire to front doors “must have intended to endanger – to risk – the lives of the people inside.” Jurors were told not to consider defendants’ motivation or the identity of “El Money.”
Defense Claims
The defence argues Lavrynovych was pressured by a “shadowy figure” threatening his family, a claim the prosecutor says is unsupported by any messages.
On-the-Ground Reports
Starmer’s sister-in-law awoke to smoke, called the fire brigade and escaped to the roof; no injuries were reported.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the exact message count (reported as “more than 300” or “320”) and on whether the promised cryptocurrency payment was ever received. The identity of “El Money” remains unverified.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Three fires in the same area within five days would be pretty unusual. However, three fires all involving property linked to the same person were beyond a coincidence.” — Duncan Atkinson KC
- “The evidence demonstrated that there was here no coincidence. Rather, the vehicle and properties in question had been targeted, and the acts of arson at these locations had been planned and directed, with those involved promised payment for their participation.” — Duncan Atkinson KC
- “He said: "It does not matter whether they knew that the property they were targeting was connected to the Prime Minister or whether that formed part of their motivation.” — Duncan Atkinson KC
- “It also underlines that the motivation for these activities was not fear, but financial reward.” — Duncan Atkinson KC
What’s Next
The trial is expected to finish by the end of May 2026, after which the jury will deliver verdicts. The case may prompt further scrutiny of cryptocurrency-based payments and the security of political figures’ assets.
