Ukrainian Man Roman Lavrynovych Claims Coercion in Arson Attacks on Sir Keir Starmer Properties

A Ukrainian national accused of arson attacks on properties linked to Sir Keir Starmer told the Old Bailey he was coerced into the acts and did not intend to endanger anyone’s life. Roman Lavrynovych, 22, stated he believed the targeted premises were unoccupied.

Mr Lavrynovych, alongside Petro Pochynok, 35, and Stanislav Carpiuc, 27, faces charges of conspiring to damage property by fire between 1 April and 13 May 2025. Mr Lavrynovych is also charged with damaging property by fire with intent to endanger life on 11 and 12 May 2025 at two North London properties associated with Sir Keir.

Giving evidence, Mr Lavrynovych claimed he was recruited online by a Russian-speaking Telegram user known as “El Money”. He stated he was offered £3,000 in cryptocurrency to set a Toyota alight but was forced to proceed after threats from El Money, who allegedly knew his address and family details. Mr Lavrynovych cited his father’s medical needs in Ukraine as a reason for initially considering the payment.

After an initial reluctance to carry out the act, Mr Lavrynovych testified that El Money’s “mood changed” and he was threatened. “He said he knew where I lived and who with and that I’d better do it,” Mr Lavrynovych recounted, expressing fear for his own life and that of his grandmother and her elderly friend. He suggested El Money claimed to be “very high-up, perhaps linked to politics.”

Mr Lavrynovych told the court that multiple individuals communicated through the El Money account, including a woman who messaged, “My husband will go and check it,” after instructing him to set fire to a Toyota RAV4. He added that El Money was dissatisfied with the car arson video and subsequently tasked him with burning a building on Ellington Street, described as an “office” by the handler, with specific timing to ensure no occupants.

A Toyota previously owned by Sir Keir was found ablaze on 8 May 2025 in Kentish Town. Three days later, a fire was discovered at flats in Islington linked to Sir Keir. On 12 May, a fire was found at the front entrance of Sir Keir’s Kentish Town house, which was rented by his sister-in-law and her family. Following this, El Money allegedly messaged Mr Lavrynovych, stating, “Look, you attacked the home of a very high-ranking person in Britain. I’ll send you money, you need to leave the city.” Mr Lavrynovych was arrested hours later.

Mr Carpiuc, from Romford, and Mr Pochynok, from Islington, have yet to give evidence. All three men have pleaded not guilty. The trial continues.