Three Men on Trial for Arson Attacks Linked to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer
Three men are currently on trial in London accused of carrying out a series of arson attacks on properties connected to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
The attacks took place over five days in May 2025 and targeted two homes and a car linked to Starmer in north London.
The defendants, Roman Lavrynovych, 22, and Petro Pochynok, 35, both from Ukraine, and Stanislav Carpiuc, 27, a Romanian national, deny charges including arson with intent to endanger life and conspiracy to commit arson.
Prosecutors allege the men were hired by a Russian-speaking contact using the pseudonym "El Money" who promised payment in cryptocurrency.
The fires included a blaze on May 8 that destroyed a Toyota RAV4 previously owned by Starmer, a fire on May 11 at a property in Islington that Starmer had managed, and a fire on May 12 outside the Kentish Town home where Starmer lived before moving to Downing Street.
The last property was occupied by Starmer's sister-in-law at the time.
Prosecutors argue the attacks were planned and directed by "El Money" via Telegram, with Lavrynovych allegedly instructed on what to do and where to target.
CCTV footage was presented showing Lavrynovych purchasing white spirit, believed to have been used to start the fires.
The prosecution contends that setting fire to the front doors of occupied homes was intended to endanger the lives of the residents.
However, the jury was told it is not their role to determine the identity or motives of "El Money" or whether the defendants knew the properties were linked to the prime minister.
The case highlights concerns about politically motivated attacks and the use of encrypted messaging platforms to coordinate criminal acts.
It also raises questions about the security of public figures and their families.
