Two men have been jailed for carrying out a series of arson attacks targeting a car and properties linked to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in a plot that investigators say was orchestrated by Russia. At the Old Bailey in London, Roman Lavrinovich, a 22-year-old Ukrainian national, was jailed for seven years, while Stanislav Karpiuk, a 27-year-old Ukrainian-born Romanian national, received two years for his role in the plot.
Fire targets properties linked to Starmer
Attacks took place across North London in May 2025. On 8 May, a Toyota Rav4 previously owned by Starmer was set on fire in Kentish Town. Three days later, a flat in Islington attached to the Prime Minister’s previous property was found to be on fire. In the early hours of 12 May, another fire broke out at Starmer’s former Kentish Town residence, where his sister-in-law Judith Alexander, along with her daughter and partner, were living at the time. The court heard that thick black smoke quickly spread through the property, putting occupants at risk.
Telegram recruiter promised payment
Prosecutors said an unidentified Russian-speaking contact known as “EL” or “El Money” recruited Lavrinovic via Telegram. The individual allegedly promised payment in cryptocurrency in exchange for carrying out the attacks, filming them, and receiving media attention. Evidence presented during the trial revealed that after the fire, the handler instructed Lavrinovic to discard his clothes, collect the crypto payment, and leave London. He was arrested a few hours later when counter-terrorism officers raided his home in Sydenham. Investigators also revealed that Lavrinovic had previously completed other tasks for the same contact, including placing far-right posters.
Judge calls Lavrinovic a ‘useful idiot’
At sentencing, Mr Justice Garnham sharply criticised Lavrinovic’s conduct. The judge described him as a “useful idiot” and said, “You agreed to carry out this mindless act of arson for money. You were easily bought off.” The judge rejected claims that Lavrinovic did not realise that the properties were occupied, saying he was “grossly reckless” about the danger he posed to residents. “El used you to further an objective you knew nothing about,” he said.
Karpiuk played supporting role
The court found that Karpiuk played a secondary role in the conspiracy, primarily handling cryptocurrency transactions associated with the operation. His lawyer argued that Karpiuk did not expect to profit from the attacks and had become involved in an attempt to help a friend raise money for his father’s medical treatment. The judge nevertheless ruled that he had knowingly supported a “grossly reckless” criminal enterprise.
The third accused acquitted
The third defendant, 35-year-old Ukrainian citizen Petro Pochinok, was acquitted of conspiracy charges. Lavrinovic was additionally convicted of causing damage to property by fire without regard to whether life was in danger. However, he was acquitted of intentionally trying to endanger life.
Families express shock and embarrassment
Outside court, Lavrinovic’s mother said she felt “sadness and embarrassment” at her son’s actions, describing him as naive and vulnerable to manipulation. Karpiuk’s father criticised the sentences, arguing that the mysterious Telegram recruiter who allegedly directed the attacks remained both unidentified and unpunished. Commander Helen Flanagan of Counter Terrorism Policing London said the case highlights a growing trend of criminal acts being directed remotely by anonymous online handlers offering financial rewards. “Crimes such as arson, which involve promising payment through anonymous online accounts, are a recurring pattern in our investigations,” he said.
