Full Breakdown
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s Property Targeted in Arson Plot: Convictions and Ongoing Questions
6/15/2026, 8:45:00 PM
The Arson Campaign and Convictions
In May 2025 a series of fires were set at three locations linked to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer: a Toyota previously owned by him in north-London, a house in Islington that had been managed by a company in which he was a former director, and a second house in Kentish Town rented to his sister-in-law. A London jury found Ukrainian-born builder Roman Lavrynovich (22) guilty of two counts of arson reckless as to whether life was endangered and of conspiracy to commit arson. Stanislav Carpiuc (27), a Romanian national born in Ukraine, was also convicted of conspiracy to commit arson. Petro Pochynok (35) was acquitted of the conspiracy charge. Sentencing is scheduled for the Friday following the verdict.
Background and Recruitment via “EL Money”
Prosecutors presented Telegram messages from an account identified only as “EL Money.” The account contacted Lavrynovich in both Russian and Ukrainian, promising payment for the attacks and later instructing him to flee Britain after the final fire. Lavrynovich testified that he believed “EL Money” comprised more than one person and that a woman was also involved.
Key Figures
- Roman Lavrynovich – Ukrainian builder, primary arsonist.
- Stanislav Carpiuc – Ukrainian-born Romanian, planner and recipient of payment.
- “EL Money” – Anonymous Russian-speaking Telegram user who directed the attacks.
- Duncan Atkinson – Lead prosecutor at the Old Bailey.
- Helen Flanagan – Head of London counter-terrorism policing.
- Frank Ferguson – Head of the CPS Special Crime and Counter-Terrorism Division.
Timeline of Events
- 8 May 2025 – Toyota formerly owned by Starmer set alight in Kentish Town.
- 11–12 May 2025 – Two houses linked to Starmer ignited; one fire reached a residence occupied by his sister-in-law.
- June 15 2026 – Old Bailey jury delivers verdict; Lavrynovich and Carpiuc convicted.
- June 21 2026 (Friday) – Sentencing hearing scheduled.
Data and Charges
Official Statements & Responses
Prosecutor Duncan Atkinson told the court that jurors should not be required to determine the identity or motives of “EL Money.” Counter-terrorism chief Helen Flanagan emphasized that, while the contact was Russian-speaking, “we have seen no evidence to link this back to any Russian-backed tasking.” CPS specialist Frank Ferguson described the offences as “deliberate and dangerous acts of arson … intended to intimidate and undermine public confidence.”
Criticism & Opposition
Law enforcement officials highlighted the absence of any concrete link to the Russian state, contradicting speculation that the plot was state-directed.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
BBC investigative reporting identified a possible Russian diplomat, Evgeny Lyukshin, as the handler “EL,” suggesting a direct Kremlin connection. Reuters and UK police statements, however, reported “no evidence” of Moscow’s involvement, leaving the true identity and affiliations of “EL Money” unresolved.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It is no part of your considerations to decide who 'EL Money' is and what reason he might have had to coordinate the actions of these defendants against these properties and this car associated with the prime minister,” — Duncan Atkinson, Lead Prosecutor
- “Obviously, it was a Russian-speaking entity that created those taskings, but we have seen no evidence to link this back to any Russian-backed tasking,” — Helen Flanagan, Head of Counter-Terrorism Policing, London
- “These were deliberate and dangerous acts of arson, carried out against properties and a vehicle linked to the prime minister, and they posed a serious risk to life,” — Frank Ferguson, CPS Counter-Terrorism Division Head
- “Look, you attacked the home of a very high-ranking person in Britain. I'll send you money, you need to leave the city.” — “EL Money” (Telegram message)
- “No, I didn't try to. I had no time for that.” — Roman Lavrynovich, Defence Testimony
What’s Next
The court will determine sentences for Lavrynovich and Carpiuc on Friday. Defence counsel have sought broader disclosure about “EL Money,” including any intelligence affiliations, but the judge ruled the request “wholly irrelevant” to the verdict. Ongoing investigations may explore the identity of the Telegram handler and assess any potential foreign influence.
