Full Breakdown
Arson Allegations Targeting Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Former Property
4/30/2026, 1:23:05 AM
Arson Attacks
Three fires in May: a Toyota RAV4 of Keir Starmer burned on 8 May; a house he directed and his sister-in-law’s house were set alight on 11 May and 12 May.
Key Actors
Defendants are Roman Lavrynovych (22) and Petro Pochynok (35), and Stanislav Carpiuc (27). Duncan Atkinson KC identified Lavrynovych as fire-setter. They are alleged to have been recruited by a Telegram user known as “El Money”.
Timeline
September 2024 – over 320 Telegram messages from “El Money” to Lavrynovych recovered. 8 May 2023 – Starmer’s Toyota set alight. 11 May and 12 May 2023 – two houses ignited. 27 April 2024 – trial begins; to finish by end of May 2024.
Data
Lavrynovych (22), Pochynok (35), Carpiuc (27). Fires – three incidents (vehicle, two houses) within five days. Communications – >320 Telegram messages. Accelerant – white spirit reported. No injuries reported.
Official Statements
Duncan Atkinson KC told Old Bailey arsons were “planned and directed” and defendants were promised payment. He emphasized fires were set “in dead of night” and instructed jurors motive was irrelevant.
Criticism
Defendants deny the conspiracy and have entered not-guilty pleas. Counsel points to lack of evidence of a transaction and argues prosecution relies solely on Telegram messages, leaving motive unproven.
Witnesses
Occupant of Ellington Road house awoke at 3 a.m. on 11 May to smoke, struggled to breathe and fled. Sister-in-law reported bangs and smoke at 1 a.m. on 12 May, nine-year-old daughter was “frightened”. No injuries reported.
Conflicts
Telegram messages from September 2024 conflict with arsons in May 2023, creating timeline inconsistency. Court has not disclosed amount promised or identity of “El Money”. No injuries were confirmed, and extent of property damage remains unclear.
Impact
Case highlights vulnerabilities of individuals to online recruitment for violent acts, raises concerns about use of encrypted messaging platforms for illicit coordination, and tests UK legal system’s ability to prosecute arson.
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, Prosecutor
“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, Prosecutor
“Why else would you set fire to the front door, blocking the residents’ escape?” — Duncan Atkinson, Prosecutor
“It may be suggested on behalf of Mr Lavrynovych that he was pressured into setting the fires by a shadowy figure who threatened him and his family if he did not comply. There is no such messaging between any third party and Mr Lavrynovych.” — Duncan Atkinson, Prosecutor
