Key facts
- Telegram is under scrutiny from Ofcom regarding its content moderation after an arsonist targeting Keir Starmer-linked properties was recruited via the app.
- Roman Lavrynovych, 22, was convicted of conspiring to commit arson attacks on two properties linked to Starmer and a car previously owned by him.
- Lavrynovych was directed by an individual named 'El Money' on Telegram, who offered payment and instructed him to leave the UK after the attacks.
- The 'El Money' account is reportedly linked to a sabotage network based in Russia.
- Ofcom is seeking clarification from Telegram on its measures to prevent illegal incitement under the UK's Online Safety Act.
Telegram is facing scrutiny from the UK's communications regulator, Ofcom, following the conviction of an arsonist who targeted properties linked to Keir Starmer. Roman Lavrynovych, 22, was found guilty of conspiring to commit arson attacks in May 2025 on two houses associated with Starmer and a car previously owned by the politician.
The trial revealed that Lavrynovych was recruited and directed via Telegram by an individual known as 'El Money', who communicated in Russian and Ukrainian. This handler reportedly offered Lavrynovych £3,000 in cryptocurrency to carry out the attacks, film them, and ensure they received media coverage. Following the incidents, 'El Money' instructed Lavrynovych to leave the UK, stating, "Look, you attacked the home of a very high-ranking person in Britain."
Reports suggest that the 'El Money' account has connections to a sabotage network operating from Russia. Police recovered over 320 messages exchanged between 'El Money' and Lavrynovych on Telegram, dating back to September 2024. Lavrynovych and co-defendant Stanislav Carpiuc, 27, are due to be sentenced on Friday.
Telegram, founded by Russian-born Pavel Durov who relocated the company to Dubai, is subject to the UK's Online Safety Act. This legislation imposes broad risk assessment and safety duties on social media companies to prevent users from encountering illegal content. Ofcom has contacted Telegram to seek further clarification on its measures for detecting and preventing illegal incitement. This follows a separate investigation initiated by Ofcom in April concerning Telegram's efforts to prevent the sharing of child sexual abuse material, an accusation Telegram has denied.