Key facts
- Two men, Roman Lavrynovych and Stanislav Carpiuc, were convicted of arson and conspiracy to commit arson.
- The targets included properties and a car linked to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
- Lavrynovych was recruited online by a figure known as 'El Money' and given instructions for the attacks.
- The plot is believed to be part of a Russian state-backed sabotage campaign.
- The attacks occurred in May 2025 and did not result in major damage or injuries.
Two men have been convicted in connection with a plot to set fire to properties and a car linked to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Roman Lavrynovych and Stanislav Carpiuc were found guilty of arson and conspiracy to commit arson. Lavrynovych was tasked with carrying out the attacks in May 2025, having been recruited online by a figure known as 'El Money.' Evidence presented at trial indicated that 'El Money' sent detailed instructions, including how to mix flammable liquids.
While the attacks did not cause significant damage or injuries, smoke filled a house where Starmer's sister-in-law and her family were staying. The fires attracted the attention of British counterterrorism police.
Lavrynovych's lawyer described him as a 'vulnerable, ignorant' puppet, suggesting the attacks were orchestrated by a more serious operator and targeted Starmer due to his support for Ukraine. Prosecutors did not bring charges under Britain's National Security Act.
Cmdr. Dominic Murphy, who oversaw the initial investigation, stated the plot fits the description of Russian state-backed sabotage. However, establishing direct Moscow involvement can be difficult, with European officials noting a rise in such attacks across the continent. The Associated Press has tracked at least 192 such incidents in Europe since Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine. President Vladimir Putin has dismissed allegations of a covert war against the West.