Full Breakdown
Alleged Arson Plot Targeting Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Property
4/30/2026, 5:54:48 AM
Alleged Arson Plot and Charges
Three men—Ukrainian nationals Roman Lavrynovych (22) and Petro Pochynok (35), and Romanian citizen Stanislav Carpiuc (27)—were allegedly offered payment via Telegram by a Russian-speaking contact using the alias “El Money.” They are accused of setting fire to a Toyota car on 8 May 2024 and to two north-London houses on 11 May and 12 May 2024. Prosecutor Duncan Atkinson charged Lavrynovych with conspiracy to commit arson and reckless endangerment; the other two face similar counts. All defendants have pleaded not guilty.
Property Links to the Prime Minister
The Toyota had been owned by Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The Ellington Road house was managed by a firm where Starmer was a director/shareholder. The Countess Road house was occupied by his sister-in-law and still owned by him.
Key Figures
- Roman Lavrynovych – 22-year-old Ukrainian alleged fire-setter.
- Petro Pochynok – 35-year-old Ukrainian alleged participant.
- Stanislav Carpiuc – 27-year-old Romanian alleged participant.
- Duncan Atkinson – Crown Prosecutor.
- “El Money” – Anonymous Russian-speaking contact.
- Keir Starmer – Prime Minister and property owner.
- All three men deny involvement.
- The contact “El Money” remains unidentified.
Timeline of the Alleged Attacks
- Sep 2024 onward – 320+ Telegram messages between Lavrynovych and “El Money.”
- 8 May 2024 – Toyota set ablaze.
- 11 May 2024 – Ellington Road house fire, occupants awoke.
- 12 May 2024 – Countess Road house fire, sister-in-law and child evacuated.
- Wed 2024 – Court hearing.
Key Numbers
Three fires, 320+ messages; suspects aged 22, 35, 27, Ukrainian or Romanian; no injuries reported.
Official Prosecutor Statements
Prosecutor Atkinson called the fire pattern “beyond a coincidence,” noting night timing increased risk. He said the attacks were “planned and directed, with payment promised,” and told the jury the defendants’ knowledge of Starmer’s link was irrelevant. He emphasized that the coordinated timing suggested planning.
Defendants' Response
They pleaded not guilty.
Witness Accounts
Occupants awoke to smoke; one fled to roof, sister-in-law struggled breathing, child “very frightened.”
Unresolved Issues
The payment amount, “El Money” identity, and any injuries beyond smoke remain undisclosed; motive not for jury.
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, Prosecutor
- “Why else would you set fire to the front door, blocking the residents’ escape?” — Duncan Atkinson
- “The attacks against the car and houses were “planned and directed, with those involved promised payment for their participation,” Atkinson told the court.” — Duncan Atkinson
- “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
Next Steps
The case will proceed to trial, where a jury will determine the defendants’ guilt on the arson charges.
