Two men convicted in plot to torch property linked to UK PM Keir Starmer
Quick Look
- Two men, Roman Lavrynovych (Ukrainian) and Stanislav Carpiuc (Romanian), were convicted of plotting to set fire to property linked to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
- The fires in May 2025 damaged Starmer's former home, an apartment building he once owned a share of, and destroyed his former SUV.
- A figure known as "El Money" allegedly orchestrated the plot via Telegram.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Two men were convicted of a plot to set fire to property linked to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, including his former home and SUV, in May 2025. The scheme was allegedly orchestrated by a Russian-speaking figure via Telegram.
Two men were convicted on Monday of a plot last year to set fire to property linked to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
The fires in May 2025 damaged the home Starmer moved out of when he became prime minister, as well as an apartment building he once owned a share of and destroyed his former Toyota SUV. Nobody was injured in the blazes.
Ukrainian national Roman Lavrynovych, 22, and Stanislav Carpiuc, a 27-year-old Romanian citizen, were found guilty of a conspiracy to damage property by fire. Petro Pochynok, 35, was acquitted of the charge.
Lavrynovych was also convicted of two counts of committing arson with intent to endanger life or of recklessly endangering life.
A Russian-speaking figure who went by the name “El Money” hatched the scheme and offered Lavrynovych money through the Telegram messaging app to torch the properties and get video of the evidence that could be posted online to draw attention to the attack.
El Money’s identity was never revealed and he was not charged. The court heard how he gave Lavrynovych detailed instructions on the targets, how to mix flammable substances and steps to avoid being caught.
Open Questions
- What was the motive behind the attack?
- Who is 'El Money'?
- What is the connection between the perpetrators and 'El Money'?
