Ukrainian-born duo sentenced to prison in Russia-linked arson plot
Two men have been jailed for a series of arson attacks targeting a car and property linked to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, in a plot that investigators say was hatched on behalf of Russia.At London’s Old Bailey, 22-year-old Ukrainian citizen Roman Lavrynovych was sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment, while Stanislav Karpiuk, a 27-year-old Romanian citizen born in Ukraine, received a two-year prison sentence for their role in the plot.
The fires targeted properties linked to Starmer
The attacks unfolded across north London in May 2025. On 8 May, a Toyota RAV4 formerly owned by Starmer was set on fire in Kentish Town. Three days later, flames were discovered at a flat in Islington linked to the Prime Minister’s former estate properties.In the early hours of 12 May, another fire broke out at Starmer’s former residence in Kentish Town, where his sister-in-law Judith Alexander, her daughter and her partner were living at the time.The court heard that thick black smoke quickly spread through the property, endangering the occupants.
The Telegram recruiter promised to pay
Prosecutors said Lavrinovich was recruited via the Telegram app by an anonymous Russian-speaking contact known as “EL” or “El Money.”
This person allegedly promised to pay in cryptocurrency in exchange for carrying out the attacks, filming them, and ensuring that they generated media interest.Evidence presented during the trial showed that after the fires, the handler ordered Lavrinovich to dispose of his clothes, collect cryptocurrency payments and leave London. He was arrested hours later when counter-terrorism officers raided his home in Sydenham.Investigators also revealed that Lavrinovic had previously completed other tasks for the same contact, including placing far-right posters.
Judge calls Lavrinovic a “useful idiot”
During sentencing, Judge Garnham gave a scathing assessment of Lavrinovich’s behaviour. “You agreed to carry out this reckless arson in exchange for money. You were easily bought off,” the judge said, describing him as a “useful idiot” who served as a pawn for an unknown agenda.The judge rejected claims that Lavrinovic did not know the properties were occupied, saying he was “completely reckless” about the risk he posed to residents.“EL used you to defend a cause you knew nothing about,” he added.
Carpiuc played a supporting role
The court found that Karpiuk played a minor role in the conspiracy, primarily handling the cryptocurrency transactions associated with the operation.Karpiuk did not expect to profit from the attacks and became involved while trying to help a friend raise money for his father’s medical treatment, his lawyer said.However, the judge ruled that he had knowingly supported a “completely reckless” criminal enterprise.
The third accused is acquitted
The third defendant, 35-year-old Ukrainian citizen Petro Bushenok, was acquitted of conspiracy charges.Additionally, Lavrynovic was convicted of damaging property by fire while being reckless as to whether lives were at risk. However, he was acquitted of intentionally trying to endanger his life.
Families express shock and shame
Outside court, Lavrinovic’s mother said she felt “saddened and ashamed” by her son’s actions, describing him as naive and prone to manipulation.Karpiuk’s father criticized the rulings, arguing that the mysterious Telegram recruiter who allegedly directed the attacks remained anonymous and went unpunished.Helen Flanagan, London’s counter-terrorism police chief, said the case highlights a growing trend of criminal acts being directed remotely by anonymous people online offering financial rewards.“Crimes such as arson being directed by anonymous online accounts promising payment are a recurring pattern in our investigations,” she said.