On Monday, new details emerged about a series of arson attacks that targeted properties connected to U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Officials allege that the suspects were recruited and directed by a Russian-speaking handler.
Police and court reports indicate that the suspects were promised payment to execute a coordinated campaign in London in May 2025. This campaign included attacks on a vehicle and two properties linked to Starmer.
A new investigation has reported that the handler is believed to be a diplomat trained in information warfare, integral to a broader Russian sabotage and disinformation operation led from Moscow, as reported by the Kyiv Post.
Convictions and Suspects
Ukrainian national Roman Lavrynovych, 22, and Romanian national Stanislav Carpiuc, 27, were convicted in relation to the arson plot. Lavrynovych was reportedly recruited by a Russian-speaking Telegram handler known as “El Money.” Kyiv Post also reported that Carpiuc was born in Ukraine. A third suspect, Petro Pochynok, 35, was acquitted.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer addressed these incidents in a meeting on February 24, 2026. (Photo Credit: Kin Cheung / POOL / AFP via Getty Images)
Recruitment and Execution of Attacks
According to police, Lavrynovych was recruited via Telegram by a handler saved in his phone contacts as “El Money.” The handler allegedly instructed him through a series of tasks in exchange for promised payments.
Look, you attacked the home of a very high-ranking person in Britain. I’ll send you the money you need to leave the city,the handler allegedly wrote in a message cited by investigators, according to Kyiv Post.
The handler reportedly offered Lavrynovych Russian citizenship in exchange for carrying out these attacks, showing support for Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Involvement and Denial
Investigators noted that Russian operatives orchestrated the campaign remotely via social media platforms and Telegram. They used fake far-right and Muslim online communities to stir division and fear in the U.K., according to the Kyiv Post.
The Russian Embassy denied any involvement and rejected “any attempt to associate Russia or its foreign ministry with unlawful activities,” the report stated.
Details of the Arson Attacks
Officials reported that three arson attacks occurred in May 2025 over five days. The first attack happened on May 8, when a Toyota vehicle formerly owned by Starmer was set on fire. On May 11, a fire was set at the entrance of a residential property linked to a company where Starmer was previously a director. The third attack, on May 12, targeted a house owned by the prime minister.
Police were present at Prime Minister Starmer’s private home after a fire attack in north London on May 13, 2025. (Photo Credit: Reuters/Toby Melville)
Arrests and Investigations
Commander Helen Flanagan, head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, stated, “The actions of the two men involved in these arson attacks were incredibly reckless, and it was sheer luck that nobody was killed or injured.”
Lavrynovych’s arrest occurred on May 13, after detectives connected him to the attacks through CCTV footage and phone records showing prior reconnaissance. Carpiuc was arrested on May 17 at Luton Airport just before boarding a flight to Romania.