Starmer Car Arson Accused Refused To Film Attack, Court Hears In Old Bailey Trial

Stanislav Carpiuc, 27, a Ukrainian-born Romanian national, testified at the Old Bailey that he declined to film an alleged arson attack on a vehicle previously owned by Sir Keir Starmer. Carpiuc claims his friend, Roman Lavrynovych, 22, implored him to record the incident, which occurred on 8 May 2025.

Carpiuc, along with Lavrynovych and Petro Pochynok, 35, all resident in London, deny charges of conspiring to damage property by fire between 1 April and 13 May 2025. They are accused of targeting two properties and a car connected to the Prime Minister.

Giving evidence through a Russian translator, Carpiuc stated that Lavrynovych carried out the initial alleged arson for “money”. Carpiuc told the court he advised Lavrynovych that setting fire to cars in the street was “pure stupidity” and a “very serious crime”. He further explained that he rejected any involvement in a subsequent plan to merely break a car window, but did pass on contact details for Pochynok.

Lavrynovych, who admits starting the car fire, had previously informed the court he was recruited by an online entity named “El Money”, which offered payment for setting vehicles and properties alight. Carpiuc confirmed he knew Lavrynovych expected payment from “El Money” to fund his father’s medical treatment, but claimed no knowledge of the entity’s identity.

Carpiuc provided an alibi for the 8 May 2025 car fire, stating he was working at a west London hotel from 21:00 BST on 8 May until 09:00 on 9 May. He recounted receiving a call from a “scared” Pochynok, who informed him of Lavrynovych’s actions. Carpiuc then spoke to Lavrynovych, reportedly telling him he had “gone mad”, to which Lavrynovych responded that the fire had burnt itself out.

Lavrynovych faces additional charges of damaging property by fire with intent to endanger life on 11 and 12 May 2025, relating to fires at flats in Islington where Sir Keir previously lived, and at Sir Keir’s Kentish Town home, rented by his sister-in-law. Lavrynovych denies these charges. Carpiuc maintains he was out drinking with friends on both nights and took no part in these subsequent incidents.

The trial continues.