Two men jailed for arson attacks on property linked to Keir Starmer
12 reported
Roman Lavrynovych and Stanislav Carpiuc have been sentenced at the Old Bailey for arson attacks on property connected to Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Lavrynovych, 22, from Ukraine, received a seven-year sentence, while Carpiuc, 27, from Romania, was jailed for two years. The two men were found guilty on Monday of conspiring to commit arson on a car and two properties linked to Starmer. The court heard that an anonymous Russian-speaking figure named El Money recruited the men on Telegram, offering payment to set fires, record them, and get them on the news. The attacks occurred in May 2025, targeting a Toyota Rav4 once owned by Starmer, a north London property he had managed, and his former home in Kentish Town where his sister-in-law and her family were living. Judge Mr Justice Garnham described Lavrynovych as a “useful idiot” who acted as a pawn for an unknown cause, rejecting his claim that he did not know the houses were occupied. A third man, Petro Pochynok, 35, from Ukraine, was acquitted.
What’s reported
Roman Lavrynovych, 22, from Ukraine, was jailed for seven years.
Stanislav Carpiuc, 27, from Romania, was jailed for two years.
Both were found guilty on Monday of conspiring to commit arson on a car and two properties linked to Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
An anonymous Russian-speaking figure named El Money recruited them on Telegram.
Lavrynovych was also convicted of damaging two properties by fire, being reckless as to whether life was endangered.
Petro Pochynok, 35, from Ukraine, was acquitted.
On 8 May 2025, a Toyota Rav4 once owned by Starmer was set ablaze.
On 11 May 2025, a fire was set at the front door of a north London property Starmer had managed.
In the early hours of 12 May 2025, a fire broke out at Starmer’s former home in Kentish Town, where his sister-in-law and her family were living.
Judge Mr Justice Garnham said Lavrynovych was “utterly reckless” and acted as a pawn for an unknown cause.
Lavrynovych’s lawyer James Scobie KC described him as “utterly naive, utterly gullible, unthinking.”
Carpiuc’s barrister Shahid Rashid said his client was “the money man” who helped a friend needing money for his father’s medical treatment.
Key figures
Roman Lavrynovych, 22, from Ukraine, convicted of arson.
Stanislav Carpiuc, 27, from Romania, convicted of arson.
Petro Pochynok, 35, from Ukraine, acquitted.
El Money, anonymous Russian-speaking figure who recruited the men on Telegram.
Mr Justice Garnham, judge at the Old Bailey.
James Scobie KC, lawyer for Lavrynovych.
Shahid Rashid, barrister for Carpiuc.
Sources: The Guardian
