Arson Attacks on Keir Starmer’s Former Residences: Two Found Guilty

Two men have been convicted for their roles in a series of arson attacks targeting properties connected to Prime Minister Keir Starmer, orchestrated by a shadowy figure known as 'El Money'.

The Old Bailey has convicted two men for their involvement in a series of arson attacks targeting properties linked to Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The attacks, which took place in May 2026, were orchestrated by a mysterious Russian-speaking figure known as ‘El Money’ on the messaging platform Telegram.

The plot involved setting fire to a Toyota RAV4 previously owned by the prime minister, as well as properties where Sir Keir had formerly resided. The attacks were not only aimed at causing property damage but also intended to instill fear and create unrest within the UK.

The Arson Attacks and Their Impact

The first incident occurred in the early hours of May 8, 2026, when the Toyota RAV4 was set ablaze in Kentish Town, north London. Within days, fires were lit at the entrance of a block of flats where Sir Keir had previously lived and at his former house, which he had rented to his sister-in-law after moving into No 10.

The prime minister’s sister-in-law, Judith Alexander, recounted the harrowing experience of hearing loud bangs and seeing smoke as her family slept. The fires posed a significant risk to life, with one resident escaping to the roof to call the fire brigade. The prosecution described the attacks as ‘planned and directed’ by ‘El Money’, who promised to pay one of the defendants, Roman Lavrynovych, £3,000 in cryptocurrency if the blazes were filmed and gained media attention.

The Mastermind Behind the Attacks

The shadowy figure known as ‘El Money’ remains unidentified, but the court heard that Lavrynovych believed him to be ‘powerful’ with political connections. The mastermind had previously tasked Lavrynovych with painting racist graffiti on an Islamic community center and distributing anti-Muslim flyers for money. Following the attacks, ‘El Money’ encouraged Lavrynovych to flee, offering financial support and legal assistance if he were detained.

Commander Helen Flanagan, head of Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) London, stated that while there is no evidence to suggest ‘El Money’ is a ‘state threat’, the attacks were intended to cause concern, disruption, and impact on individuals and the community within the UK. She emphasized that the defendants’ primary motivation appeared to be financial gain, with no ideological underpinnings.

The Legal Proceedings and Sentencing

Roman Lavrynovych, a 22-year-old Ukrainian builder, and Stanislav Carpiuc, a 27-year-old Romanian, were found guilty of plotting to damage property. Lavrynovych was also convicted of damaging two properties by fire, being reckless as to whether life was endangered. Co-defendant Petro Pochynok, 35, was cleared of the same charge.

The defendants will be sentenced on Friday. Frank Ferguson from the Crown Prosecution Service highlighted the serious nature of the offenses, stating that they posed a significant risk to life and were intended to intimidate and undermine public confidence. The government spokesperson described the attacks as ‘abhorrent’ and thanked the police and Crown Prosecution Service for bringing those responsible to justice.

Opposition leader Kemi Badenoch condemned the attacks, emphasizing that no one should face intimidation, threats, or attacks due to their role in politics. She stressed that democracy is settled at the ballot box, not through fear or violence, and definitely not through foreign interference from hostile countries.