SouthernWorldwide.com – Police in the United Kingdom have revealed new details concerning a series of arson attacks that targeted properties linked to U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, with allegations suggesting the perpetrators were recruited and guided by a Russian-speaking handler.
Investigations and court reports indicate that the individuals involved were promised financial compensation for executing a coordinated series of attacks in London during May 2025. These planned incidents included targeting a vehicle and two properties associated with Starmer.
A recent investigation has put forward the belief that the handler was a diplomat with training in information warfare, and that this operation was part of a larger Russian sabotage and disinformation campaign orchestrated from Moscow, as reported by the Kyiv Post.
Roman Lavrynovych, a 22-year-old Ukrainian national, and Stanislav Carpiuc, a 27-year-old Romanian national, were convicted in relation to the arson plot. Police and court documents state that Lavrynovych was recruited by a Russian-speaking Telegram contact identified as “El Money.” The Kyiv Post further noted that Carpiuc was also born in Ukraine. A third individual, Petro Pochynok, aged 35, was acquitted of the charges.
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According to law enforcement, Lavrynovych was approached via Telegram by a Russian-speaking handler, whom he had saved in his contacts as “El Money.” This handler allegedly instructed him through a progression of increasingly severe tasks, promising payment for their completion.
“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,” the handler purportedly communicated in a message cited by investigators, as per the Kyiv Post.
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The handler reportedly offered Lavrynovych Russian citizenship as an incentive for carrying out the attacks. This individual also frequently expressed support for Russian President Vladimir Putin, according to the report. Evidence also suggested that “El Money” had received training in information warfare from propagandists and intelligence operatives, the outlet stated.
Investigators further indicated that Russian operatives allegedly managed the campaign remotely through social media platforms and Telegram. They reportedly utilized fake far-right and Muslim online communities to foster division and fear within the U.K., according to the Kyiv Post.
The Russian Embassy has reportedly denied any involvement, issuing a statement that rejects “any attempt to associate Russia or its foreign ministry with unlawful activities,” as per the report.
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Officials confirmed that the three arson attacks occurred over a five-day span in May 2025.
The initial incident took place on May 8, 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 in which Starmer had previously held a director and shareholder role.
The third attack occurred on May 12 at a residence owned by the prime minister.
“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,” stated Commander Helen Flanagan, head of Counter Terrorism Policing London.
Police reported that Lavrynovych was apprehended on May 13 of the previous year. Detectives were able to link the suspect to the attacks through CCTV footage and phone records that indicated he had conducted reconnaissance prior to the fires.
Authorities stated that Carpiuc was arrested on May 17 in the departure lounge at Luton Airport, shortly before he was scheduled to board a flight to Romania.
