Two Men Sentenced for Arson Targeting UK Prime Minister's Properties
Alex Milan Durie
Two Ukrainian-born men were sentenced to prison for a series of arson attacks on UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's properties. Both were paid via Telegram by a mysterious Russian-speaking figure called 'El Money'.
Two men have been sentenced to prison for carrying out a series of arson attacks targeting properties belonging to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. According to prosecutors, both received payments from a Russian-speaking individual using the alias "El Money" via the Telegram messaging app to execute the attacks.
Roman Lavrynovych, 22, a Ukrainian national, and Stanislav Carpiuc, 27, a Romanian national born in Ukraine, were convicted on Monday at the Old Bailey in London for conspiracy to damage property by fire. Lavrynovych also faced two additional charges of arson endangering life.
On Friday, Judge Neil Garnham described Lavrynovych as a "useful idiot" and a "pawn" for some "unidentified purpose," endangering human life. He stated: "You agreed to carry out this senseless arson for money. You are not a person of great principle, and you are easily bought." Lavrynovych was sentenced to seven years in prison, while Carpiuc received two years for his role in aiding and encouraging the attacks.
The attacks occurred in May 2025, targeting London properties linked to Starmer, including his former residence where his sister-in-law and her family live, as well as a Toyota vehicle he once owned. Prosecutors said the perpetrators had no political motive, acting only for financial gain.
El Money communicated with Lavrynovych in both Russian and Ukrainian. Prosecutors did not identify the person or organization behind the account. Lavrynovych told the court he did not know who he was targeting. The court saw messages in which El Money instructed Lavrynovych to flee the UK after attacking the home of "a high-level individual in the UK."
According to the BBC, El Money is believed to be a 23-year-old "young Russian diplomat," described as "the son of a senior official." However, British police said there was no concrete evidence linking the two men to Russia. The Russian Embassy in London denied all allegations linking the attacks to Russia, insisting Moscow posed no threat to UK security.
Helen Flanagan, head of London's Counter Terrorism Police, said the mastermind aimed to "create fear," although there was no evidence El Money posed a "state-level threat." Following the verdict, Prime Minister Starmer welcomed the decision, suggesting the attacks should be viewed in a "broader context," alluding to Ukraine's improved position in the war and Western sanctions having a "real impact on Russia."
