Two men have been sentenced at the Old Bailey to prison terms for their involvement in an arson plot targeting properties linked to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Roman Lavrynovych, 22, received a seven-year sentence for his role in the attacks, while 27-year-old Stanislav Carpiuc was sentenced to two years for facilitating cryptocurrency payments. According to the Crown Prosecution Service, the conspiracy was orchestrated by an anonymous handler via Telegram, marking a significant escalation in remote-directed criminal activity against high-profile UK figures.
How the Arson Attacks Unfolded
The series of attacks occurred in North London over several days in May 2024. On May 8, a Toyota RAV4 formerly owned by Keir Starmer was set on fire in Kentish Town. Three days later, a property in Islington—previously linked to the Prime Minister’s property portfolio—was targeted by arson. The most severe incident occurred on May 12, when a fire was started at a residence in Kentish Town occupied by the Prime Minister’s sister-in-law, Judith Alexander, and her family.
Evidence presented in court by the Metropolitan Police confirmed that the occupants were inside during the May 12 incident. Prosecutors established that the fires were not random acts of vandalism but a coordinated effort to generate media attention and intimidate the Prime Minister’s circle.
The Role of Remote Handlers
The investigation revealed that the defendants were recruited through Telegram by an anonymous user identifying as "EL" or "El Money." This handler provided instructions, logistics, and cryptocurrency payments in exchange for the arson attacks and subsequent video confirmation.
According to the Counter Terrorism Policing command, this case demonstrates a dangerous trend where criminal groups use encrypted messaging apps to recruit individuals for "contracted" sabotage. Lavrynovych, who the court heard had previously performed minor tasks such as posting far-right leaflets for the same contact, was described by Mr. Justice Garnham as a "useful idiot" who was easily manipulated for financial gain.
Legal Outcomes and Sentencing
The trial at the Old Bailey concluded with the sentencing of two of the three accused men:
- Roman Lavrynovych: Sentenced to seven years for conspiracy to commit arson and arson being reckless as to whether life was endangered. The judge noted that Lavrynovych showed "utter disregard" for the safety of those living in the properties.
- Stanislav Carpiuc: Received a two-year sentence for his role in managing the cryptocurrency transfers that facilitated the plot.
- Petro Pochynok: The third defendant, a 35-year-old Ukrainian national, was acquitted of all conspiracy charges by the jury.
Why This Case Matters for National Security
This plot highlights the evolving nature of hybrid warfare and domestic security threats. Unlike traditional terror cells, these actors were recruited remotely, lacked clear ideological motivation, and operated purely on a transactional, criminal basis.
Commander Helen Flanagan of the Metropolitan Police stated that the use of anonymous online accounts to offer payment for arson is a "recurring pattern" in current investigations. By utilizing digital assets and encrypted communication, handlers can weaponize individuals who might otherwise remain outside the radar of security services. This case sets a precedent for how the UK judiciary treats "remote-directed" crime, emphasizing that those who carry out the physical acts remain fully liable for the consequences, regardless of who provided the instructions or the funding.
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