Police allege that Russian operatives orchestrated a series of arson attacks targeting properties linked to U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, recruiting Ukrainian nationals for the operation.
New details have emerged regarding a series of arson attacks on properties associated with U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, with authorities alleging that the suspects were recruited and directed by a Russian-speaking handler.
On Monday, police and court reports indicated that the suspects were promised payment for their involvement in a coordinated campaign that took place in London in May 2025. This campaign included attacks on a vehicle and two properties linked to Starmer.
According to the Kyiv Post, the handler is believed to be a diplomat trained in information warfare and part of a broader Russian sabotage and disinformation operation orchestrated by Moscow.
Two individuals, Ukrainian national Roman Lavrynovych, 22, and Romanian national Stanislav Carpiuc, 27, were convicted in connection with the arson plot. Lavrynovych was reportedly recruited through Telegram by a Russian-speaking handler known as “El Money.” Court reports also noted that Carpiuc was born in Ukraine.
A third defendant, Petro Pochynok, 35, was acquitted of the charges.
British police are actively investigating the incidents, which targeted Starmer’s properties. The first attack occurred on May 8, 2025, when a Toyota vehicle previously owned by Starmer was set on fire. A second fire was ignited on May 11 at the entrance of a residential property managed by a company where Starmer had previously served as a director and shareholder. The third attack took place on May 12 at a house owned by the prime minister.
Police reports indicate that Lavrynovych was recruited through Telegram by the handler, who was saved in his contacts as “El Money.” This handler allegedly directed Lavrynovych through a series of increasingly serious tasks while promising financial compensation.
In one message cited by investigators, the handler reportedly wrote, “Look, you attacked the home of a very high-ranking person in Britain. I’ll send you the money you need to leave the city.”
Furthermore, the handler allegedly offered Lavrynovych Russian citizenship in exchange for carrying out the attacks and frequently expressed support for Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Evidence suggests that “El Money” was trained in information warfare by propagandists and intelligence operatives. Investigators believe that Russian operatives coordinated the campaign remotely through social media platforms and Telegram, utilizing fake far-right and Muslim online communities to incite division and fear within the U.K.
The Russian Embassy has denied any involvement in the attacks, rejecting “any attempt to associate Russia or its foreign ministry with unlawful activities,” according to reports.
Commander Helen Flanagan, head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, commented on the reckless nature of the arson attacks, stating, “The actions of the two men involved in these arson attacks were incredibly reckless, and it was sheer luck that nobody was killed or injured.”
Lavrynovych was arrested on May 13, 2025, after detectives linked him to the attacks through CCTV footage and phone records that indicated he had conducted reconnaissance prior to the fires. Carpiuc was apprehended on May 17 at Luton Airport, moments before he was set to board a flight to Romania.
These developments highlight the ongoing concerns regarding foreign interference and the use of disinformation tactics in the U.K., particularly in relation to high-profile political figures.
According to the Kyiv Post, the investigation continues as authorities seek to uncover the full extent of the operation and its connections to broader geopolitical tensions.