Key Takeaways
- A London jury convicted Roman Lavrynovych (Ukrainian, 22) and Stanislav Carpiuc (Romanian, 27) of conspiracy to commit arson targeting properties and a vehicle linked to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
- The attacks, carried out over five days in May 2025, involved setting fire to Starmer’s former residence, a house he co‑owned, and his former car.
- Prosecutors said Lavrynovych was instructed by an anonymous Telegram user using the alias “El Money,” who promised roughly $4,000 in cryptocurrency for the arson campaign.
- No direct evidence tied “El Money” to a hostile state, but UK Counter Terrorism Policing London warned the handler aimed to sow fear, uncertainty, and unrest in the country.
- An unverified BBC investigation identified “El Money” as a 23‑year‑old Russian diplomat, Evgeny Lyukshin, allegedly close to Moscow’s senior leadership; Russia denied any involvement.
- A third defendant, Petro Pochynok, was acquitted; Lavrynovych also faces separate charges for property damage and endangering lives. Sentencing for the two convicted men is scheduled for Friday.
Trial Overview and Verdict
On Monday, a London jury returned guilty verdicts against Roman Lavrynovych and Stanislav Carpiuc for conspiracy to commit arson. The trial, which spanned several months, examined evidence collected from surveillance footage, digital communications, and forensic analysis of the fire sites. After deliberation, the jury concluded that the two men had agreed to carry out a series of incendiary attacks intended to damage property associated with Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The verdict marks a significant development in the UK’s response to politically motivated vandalism, highlighting the judiciary’s willingness to pursue conspiracy charges even when direct links to state actors remain unproven.
Details of the Arson Campaign
The offences occurred over five days in May 2025. Investigators revealed that the defendants targeted three specific assets: the former residence Starmer vacated upon becoming prime minister in 2024, a house he still part‑owned, and a automobile that had previously belonged to him. Each location was set ablaze using accelerants, resulting in varying degrees of property damage but fortunately no physical injuries. The coordinated timing and choice of targets suggested a deliberate attempt to send a message to the prime minister and the broader public, rather than random acts of vandalism.
Role of the Online Handler “El Money”
Prosecutors presented evidence that Lavrynovych was directed by an individual communicating via Telegram under the alias “El Money.” This handler allegedly promised Lavrynovych approximately $4,000 in cryptocurrency for executing the arson attacks. Messages exchanged between Lavrynovych and “El Money” included instructions on target selection, timing, and requests for video recordings of the fires to be uploaded online for publicity. Although the prosecution could not establish that “El Money” acted on behalf of a foreign government, the nature of the communication pointed to a financially motivated, yet politically charged, operation.
Counter Terrorism Assessment
Helen Flanagan, head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, testified that the online tasker’s intention was to generate fear, uncertainty, and unrest within the United Kingdom. She emphasized that there was no indication the perpetrators knew they were targeting the prime minister personally; rather, the goal appeared to be destabilizing public confidence and provoking a broader sense of insecurity. Flanagan’s remarks underscored the police’s concern that even seemingly isolated acts of arson could be exploited as tools of psychological warfare when amplified through social media.
BBC Investigation and Alleged Russian Links
Later the same day, the BBC released its own investigation, claiming the arson spree formed part of “an extensive campaign of sabotage, provocation and lies leading all the way to the Russian state.” The broadcaster identified “El Money” as Evgeny Lyukshin, a 23‑year‑old Russian diplomat purportedly close to senior Moscow officials. Al Jazeera noted it could not independently verify the BBC’s findings. The Russian embassy swiftly denounced the allegations, stating that Russia rejects any connection to unlawful activities and maintains no hostile intent toward the United Kingdom.
Acquittal of the Third Defendant
Petro Pochynok, aged 35, faced the same conspiracy charge but was acquitted by the jury. The court found insufficient evidence to prove his involvement in the planning or execution of the arson attacks. While Lavrynovych and Carpiuc were held liable for the conspiracy, Pochynok’s acquittal highlights the jury’s careful distinction between mere association and active participation in the criminal scheme.
Additional Convictions for Lavrynovych
Beyond the conspiracy charge, Lavrynovych was also found guilty of two counts of damaging property by fire and of being reckless as to whether the lives of others were endangered during the attacks. These convictions reflect the prosecution’s success in demonstrating that his actions not only caused material harm but also posed a tangible risk to public safety, even though no injuries ultimately occurred.
Sentencing and Future Implications
The two convicted men are scheduled to be sentenced on Friday. The judge will consider the gravity of the offences, the defendants’ roles, and the broader intent to provoke unrest when determining appropriate penalties. The case is likely to influence future UK counter‑terrorism and policing strategies, particularly regarding the monitoring of extremist solicitation on encrypted platforms and the need for rapid response to politically motivated property crimes. As the sentencing approaches, public attention will remain focused on how the justice system balances punitive measures with efforts to mitigate the underlying motivations that drive such acts of sabotage.