In a rare instance of successful prosecution, two men have been handed prison sentences for their roles in a series of arson attacks linked to Labour leader Keir Starmer. Roman Lavrynovych, 22, from Ukraine, and Stanislav Carpiuc, 27, from Romania, were found guilty of conspiring to commit arson on a car and two properties associated with the prime minister.
The attacks occurred in May 2025, with a Toyota Rav4 once owned by Starmer being set alight on 8 May. Two further fires broke out at properties in north London and Kentish Town. Prosecutors revealed that Lavrynovych and Carpiuc had been recruited by an anonymous Russian-speaking figure, known as El Money, via the messaging app Telegram.
During sentencing at the Old Bailey, Mr Justice Garnham described Lavrynovych's actions as 'utterly reckless about the risk you were creating' and referred to him as a 'useful idiot'. The judge accepted that neither man had instigated the attacks but rejected Lavrynovych's claim that he was unaware the houses he set on fire were occupied. Lavrynovych's lawyer characterised his client as 'utterly naive, utterly gullible, unthinking' and a 'complete foot soldier', while Carpiuc's barrister suggested his client had been motivated by a desire to help a friend financially.
It remains unclear whether El Money will face charges for their alleged role in orchestrating the attacks. The incident has raised questions about the need for greater online security measures and effective law enforcement strategies to counter foreign interference in domestic politics.