UK Prime Minister Starmer targeted in Russian‑linked arson plot, two men convicted
A London court convicted Ukrainian national Roman Lavrynovych, 22, and Romanian citizen Stanislav Carpiuc, 27, of conspiracy to commit arson on properties linked to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The May 2025 attacks damaged Starmer’s former Toyota RAV4, a north‑London house occupied by his sister‑in‑law, and an apartment building in which he once held a share. No one was injured, but the fires caused smoke‑filled evacuations and alarm among the prime minister’s family.
Prosecutors said the men were recruited by an anonymous Russian‑speaking handler known only as “El Money”, who communicated via Telegram and offered £3,000 in cryptocurrency for the attacks. The BBC identified the handler as 23‑year‑old Russian diplomat Evgeny Lyukshin, the son of a senior official, and linked him to a broader sabotage and disinformation campaign that used fake far‑right and Islamist online groups. Russian officials denied any involvement.
A third defendant, Petro Pochynok, was acquitted. The two convicts await sentencing. Metropolitan Police counter‑terrorism commander Helen Flanagan described the plot as an attempt to intimidate the prime minister and sow fear in the United Kingdom, noting there is no confirmed state sponsorship despite the apparent Russian links.