Ukrainian, Romanian jailed in UK over Starmer arson plot ordered by mystery Russian

A British court has sentenced two men, Ukrainian national Roman Lavrynovych and Romanian citizen Stanislav Carpiuc, for their involvement in a plot to set fire to property linked to Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Lavrynovych received a seven-year sentence, while Carpiuc was jailed for two years. Both men were found guilty of conspiracy to damage property by fire. Prosecutors stated that the attacks, which targeted a car and two properties connected to Starmer over three nights in May 2025, were carried out on the orders of a Russian-speaking individual known as "El Money."

A British court has convicted two men, Roman Lavrynovych and Stanislav Carpiuc, of conspiracy to commit arson for a series of attacks targeting properties and a car linked to Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The attacks occurred over five days in May of the previous year, targeting a house Starmer vacated and a property he part-owned, as well as a former car of his. Lavrynovych was also found guilty of damaging property by fire and endangering lives. Prosecutors stated Lavrynovych was instructed by an individual using the alias 'El Money' via Telegram to carry out the attacks for approximately $4,000 in cryptocurrency. While officials have not presented evidence of state sponsorship, an unverified report suggests the attacks were part of a Russian intelligence campaign of sabotage and disinformation aimed at causing unrest in the UK. A third man, Petro Pochynok, was acquitted.

Two individuals, Roman Lavrynovych and Stanislav Carpiuc, have been found guilty of conspiring to carry out arson attacks on property linked to Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The attacks appear to have been directed by an online handler with connections to Russia, identified as "El Money," who communicated with Lavrynovych via Telegram. Starmer stated that these attacks demonstrate that the UK is targeted by "bad actors" seeking to exploit divisions and destabilize democracy. The sentencing is set for Friday, occurring amidst heightened tensions between Russia and the UK, including the interception of a Russian oil vessel and warning shots fired by a Russian warship. Investigations by the BBC and Financial Times have linked the arson plot to Russia, with "El Money" reportedly located in Russia and aligned with a pro-Kremlin hacktivist group.

Two men have been convicted in London for their roles in a plot to set fire to properties linked to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The fires, which occurred in May 2025, damaged Starmer's former home, an apartment building he once had a share in, and destroyed his old SUV. A Russian-speaking individual known as "El Money" orchestrated the scheme, offering money via Telegram to Ukrainian national Roman Lavrynovych to carry out the attacks and provide video evidence. Lavrynovych and Romanian citizen Stanislav Carpiuc were found guilty of conspiracy to damage property by fire, with Lavrynovych also convicted of arson. Police found no evidence of state involvement, as El Money's identity and motive remained unknown. Lavrynovych admitted to the fires, claiming he was threatened and needed money for his father's medical treatment, and stated he never received payment. Sentencing for the two men is scheduled for Friday.

Two men, Roman Lavrynovych and Stanislav Carpiuc, have been found guilty at the Old Bailey of conspiring to carry out arson attacks on a car and two properties linked to Keir Starmer. Lavrynovych was also convicted of damaging the properties by fire. The attacks occurred on May 11 and 12 last year. The men were reportedly offered cryptocurrency by a Russian-speaking individual named "El Money" to carry out the acts and film them. Another man, Petro Pochynok, was cleared of the charges. Authorities stated there was no ideological motivation and no evidence the defendants knew they were targeting the Prime Minister or his properties, but the intention was to create fear and unrest. Lavrynovych and Carpiuc will be sentenced on Friday.

Two men, Roman Lavrynovych, a 22-year-old Ukrainian national, and Stanislav Carpiuc, a 27-year-old Romanian citizen, have been convicted in a London court of plotting to set fire to property linked to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The fires, which occurred in May 2025, damaged Starmer's former home, an apartment building he once shared ownership of, and destroyed his former Toyota SUV. Fortunately, no one was injured in the incidents. Both men were found guilty of conspiracy to damage property by fire. A third individual, Petro Pochynok, was acquitted of the charge.