Officials disclosed new information about arson attacks targeting U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s properties. Suspects were allegedly guided by a Russian-speaking handler.
Details of the Arson Plot
According to reports, the suspects were recruited to execute a series of attacks in London during May 2025. These attacks included a vehicle and properties associated with Starmer. The handler, believed to be a Russian diplomat with expertise in information warfare, is allegedly involved with a broader Russian sabotage operation directed from Moscow.
Roman Lavrynovych, 22, from Ukraine, and Stanislav Carpiuc, 27, from Romania, were convicted in connection with the plot. A third suspect, Petro Pochynok, 35, was acquitted.
Involvement of Russian Handler
Police reports indicate Lavrynovych’s recruitment through Telegram by a handler known as “El Money.” The handler supposedly tasked Lavrynovych with increasingly serious missions, promising payment. In one message, El Money allegedly assured Lavrynovych of financial support to leave the city. The handler also reportedly offered Russian citizenship for carrying out the attacks.
Evidence suggested the handler’s training in information warfare, linking the campaign to Russian efforts to create unrest in the U.K. via fake online communities.
Denial by Russian Embassy
The Russian Embassy denied any involvement, rejecting any linkage of Russia or its foreign ministry to the unlawful activities.
Chronology of the Attacks
The arson attacks spanned five days in May 2025. The first occurred on May 8, with a Toyota vehicle formerly owned by Starmer set alight. On May 11, another fire targeted a residential property where Starmer once served as director. The final attack on May 12 involved a house owned by the prime minister.
Commander Helen Flanagan, head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, highlighted the recklessness of the attacks, noting it was fortunate no one was harmed.
Arrests Following the Attacks
Lavrynovych’s arrest occurred on May 13, following the linking of his activities to the attacks through CCTV and phone records. Carpiuc faced arrest on May 17 at Luton Airport, just before boarding a flight to Romania.
Writer: Bonny Chu, Breaking and Trending News Writer for Fox News Digital.
Leave a Reply