Old Bailey Convicts Two Men Over Arson Attacks on Properties Linked to Sir Keir Starmer

Two men have been convicted at the Old Bailey of conspiring to carry out arson attacks on a vehicle and properties linked to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.

Ukrainian national Roman Lavrynovych, 22, and Ukrainian-born Romanian national Stanislav Carpiuc, 27, were found guilty by a jury. In May 2025, a Toyota previously owned by Sir Keir was set ablaze in north London. Days later, two homes were targeted; one was rented by the prime minister's sister-in-law, a property still owned by Sir Keir.

The prosecution stated that Lavrynovych executed the arsons after being recruited online by a Russian-speaking Telegram user, 'El Money', who promised him payment. Lavrynovych was acquitted of damaging property by fire with intent to endanger life but convicted on alternative counts of damaging property by fire, reckless as to whether life was endangered.

A third defendant, Petro Pochynok, 35, was found not guilty of conspiracy to commit arson. All three, residents of London, had denied conspiring between 1 April and 13 May 2025.

Court evidence revealed 'El Money' offered Lavrynovych advice following the final arson, messaging, "Look, you attacked the home of a very high-ranking person in Britain. I'll send you money, you need to leave the city." Lavrynovych was arrested hours later.