Two men jailed over Starmer-linked arson attacks

Two individuals have been sentenced for plotting arson attacks on property and a vehicle associated with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. Roman Lavrynovych, a 22-year-old Ukrainian national, received a seven-year prison sentence, while Stanislav Carpiuc, a 27-year-old Romanian-born Ukrainian, was handed a two-year term at the Old Bailey.

Lavrynovych was recruited by an unidentified Russian-speaking Telegram user known as “EL,” who promised payment for the attacks. Previously, Lavrynovych had been employed by the same figure to distribute far-right posters. During sentencing, Mr Justice Garnham characterized Lavrynovych as a “useful idiot,” describing him as easily manipulated and “easily bought,” accepting the incendiary assignments as he had undertaken other “grubby little tasks.” Carpiuc’s participation was labeled as a “supporting role” in what the judge called “utterly reckless” attacks.

The incidents involved a series of fires connected to Sir Keir Starmer’s properties. On 8 May 2025, a Toyota car, once owned by the prime minister, was set ablaze on a street in Kentish Town where he formerly resided. Subsequently, on 11 May, a fire was reported at flats linked to Sir Keir in nearby Islington, a place where he had lived years earlier. Another fire broke out the following day at the entrance of Sir Keir’s Kentish Town home, which was owned by him but rented to his sister-in-law, Judith Alexander. She testified about the black smoke filling the stairwell while she, her daughter, and partner were inside.

Both Lavrynovych and Carpiuc were convicted on Monday of conspiring among themselves and with others to commit arson between 1 April and 13 May 2025. Lavrynovych faced additional charges related to reckless property damage by fire but was acquitted of intent to endanger life. A third suspect, Petro Pochynok, 35, was acquitted of conspiracy. Following the arson attacks, “EL” reportedly instructed Lavrynovych on 12 May to discard his clothing and promised payment in cryptocurrency. Lavrynovych was apprehended later that day at his Sydenham residence. Legal representatives described Lavrynovych as a “complete and utter foot soldier” who remorsefully expressed shame over the impact on his family. Carpiuc’s lawyer emphasized his client’s limited involvement and financial motivation to aid a friend’s family medical needs. Both families of the convicted expressed grief and frustration, citing the absence of “EL,” who remains unidentified, as a point of injustice. Commanding officer Helen Flanagan of Counter Terrorism Policing London commended the swift investigation that identified the suspects days after the fires and noted the growing pattern of crimes orchestrated by anonymous online accounts offering payment

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