Full Breakdown
Two Men Sentenced for Russia-Linked Arson Attacks on Property Connected to Prime Minister Keir Starmer
6/20/2026, 5:32:48 AM
The Arson Plot Targeting the Prime Minister’s Property
Roman Lavrynovych, a 22-year-old Ukrainian national, and Stanislav Carpiuc, a 27-year-old Romanian citizen born in Ukraine, were convicted of conspiring to set fire to a car and two residences linked to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. The attacks were carried out in May 2025 after the pair were recruited on the messaging app Telegram by an anonymous Russian-speaking user known only as “El Money”, who promised cryptocurrency payment for filmed arson that would reach the news. Lavrynovych received a seven-year prison term; Carpiuc was sentenced to two years. A third defendant, Petro Pochynok, was acquitted.
Timeline of the Fires
- 8 May 2025 – A Toyota Rav4, previously owned by Starmer, was set ablaze on a north-London street.
- 11 May 2025 – The front door of a north-London property that Starmer once managed was ignited.
- 12 May 2025 – A fire broke out at Starmer’s former home in Kentish Town, where his sister-in-law Judith Alexander and her family were sleeping.
- 13 May 2025 – Lavrynovych was arrested at his Sydenham home following a police raid.
- 17 May 2025 – Carpiuc was detained at Luton Airport while attempting to board a flight to Romania.
- 19 June 2026 – The Old Bailey delivered the sentences after a six-week trial.
Key Actors and Their Roles
- Roman Lavrynovych – Executed the three arsons and recorded the incidents. The judge described him as a “useful idiot” and “utterly reckless”.
- Stanislav Carpiuc – Provided logistical support, encouraged Lavrynovych, and was to convert the promised cryptocurrency into cash. The court called his role “supporting” and “utterly reckless”.
- “El Money” – An unidentified Russian-speaking Telegram contact who offered £3,000 in cryptocurrency and detailed how to mix accelerants. Sources variously label the figure a Russian diplomat, a hacktivist network affiliate, or an unknown actor.
- Justice Neil Garnham – Presided over the case, repeatedly emphasizing Lavrynovych’s willingness to act for money.
- James Scobie KC – Defence counsel for Lavrynovych, portraying him as naïve and a “complete and utter foot-soldier”.
Official Responses from Government and Law Enforcement
Prime Minister Starmer welcomed the verdict, stating that “justice has been done” and urging that the attacks be viewed in the broader context of Russia’s war in Ukraine. Commander Helen Flanagan, head of Counter-Terrorism Policing London, highlighted the recurring threat of arson directed by anonymous online accounts and praised the rapid investigation. Former MI6 chief Sir Richard Moore warned that Russia is expanding its covert campaign of sabotage, cyber-attacks and arson to intimidate the United Kingdom.
Criticism and Defence Perspectives
Scobie argued that Lavrynovych was “utterly naive, utterly gullible, unthinking” and acted out of shame for his family in Ukraine. He also noted that Carpiuc’s motive was to obtain money for his father’s medical treatment. Both defendants claimed they did not know the targets were occupied; the judge rejected this, calling their disregard for potential loss of life “utterly reckless”.
Conflicting Reports on the Identity of “El Money”
BBC Panorama identified “El Money” as 23-year-old Russian diplomat Evgeny Lyukshin, the son of a senior official, and linked him to a pro-Kremlin hacktivist group NoName057(16). Other outlets, including the Financial Times, reported only that the handler communicated in Russian and Ukrainian, with no definitive attribution. The Russian embassy denied any involvement, and UK authorities have not publicly named a specific individual or organisation.
Implications for UK Security and Future Actions
The case underscores a growing pattern of state-linked sabotage using online recruitment. In response, the UK announced a new wave of 70 sanctions targeting Russia’s “shadow fleet” and finance networks, and Prime Minister Starmer called for heightened vigilance against foreign-backed intimidation. Counter-terrorism officials warned that similar plots are likely to recur without robust monitoring of encrypted communications.
Verbatim Quotes
- “You agreed to carry out this mindless piece of arson for money. You were not a man of great principle and you were easily bought.” — Justice Neil Garnham
- “You were to El (Money) a useful idiot and fool who could be manipulated to his advantage,” — Justice Neil Garnham
- “Crimes, such as arson, being directed by anonymous online accounts promising payment is a recurring trend in our casework.” — Commander Helen Flanagan, Counter-Terrorism Policing London
- “How worrying that is for us all that there are individuals like this who are fodder for this type of infiltration,” — James Scobie KC
- “But Sir Keir said the attack on his property needed to be seen in the "broader context" of Russia's war in Ukraine.” — Prime Minister Keir Starmer
- “we shouldn't be surprised at all” — Sir Richard Moore, former MI6 chief
What’s Next
The Home Office has pledged continued investigations into the “El Money” network, while the government prepares to present additional sanctions at the upcoming G7 summit. Law-enforcement agencies are expanding monitoring of Telegram channels used for illicit recruitment, and the courts will oversee licence conditions for the two convicted men upon their release.
