New Details Emerge in Arson Attacks Linked to UK Prime Minister

Officials have disclosed fresh information about a series of arson attacks targeting properties tied to U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The suspects allegedly received recruitment and guidance from a Russian-speaking handler.

According to police and court documents, the suspects were offered payment to execute a coordinated campaign in London in May 2025. The attacks involved setting fire to a vehicle and two properties associated with Starmer.

A new investigation suggests the handler might be a diplomat trained in information warfare. The wider operation directed from Moscow involves sabotage and disinformation, according to the Kyiv Post.

Ukrainian national Roman Lavrynovych, 22, and Romanian national Stanislav Carpiuc, 27, faced conviction for their roles in the arson plot. Lavrynovych was allegedly recruited through Telegram by a handler known as “El Money,” police and court reports indicate. Carpiuc, Kyiv Post notes, was also born in Ukraine. A third suspect, Petro Pochynok, 35, received acquittal.

British police are looking into a fire at Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s residence in London. (Kin Cheung / POOL / AFP via Getty Images)

Reports reveal Lavrynovych’s recruitment came through Telegram with the handler recorded in his contacts as “El Money.” The handler purportedly guided him through various escalating tasks, offering payment as an incentive. “Look, you attacked the home of a very high-ranking person in Britain. I’ll send you the money you need to leave the city,” the handler allegedly messaged.

The handler reportedly promised Lavrynovych Russian citizenship for carrying out the attacks, expressing support for Russian President Vladimir Putin. Evidence indicates “El Money” received training in information warfare, as reported by the Kyiv Post.

Investigators claimed Russian operatives managed the campaign remotely via social media and Telegram. They used fake far-right and Muslim online groups to create division and fear in the U.K., according to the report. The Russian Embassy denies any involvement, stating that associating Russia or its foreign ministry with illegal actions is baseless.

Police officers stand outside Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s home after a fire caused by alleged arson in London, May 13, 2025. (REUTERS/Toby Melville)

Officials reported three arson attacks over five days in May 2025. The first incident occurred on May 8, when a Toyota vehicle, previously owned by Starmer, was set on fire. On May 11, a fire broke out at the entrance of a residential property managed by a company where Starmer was once a director and shareholder. The third attack hit Starmer’s house on May 12.

Commander Helen Flanagan, head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, stated the attacks were reckless, and it was mere luck that no one was harmed. Police arrested Lavrynovych on May 13 after connecting him to the fires using CCTV footage and phone records. Authorities apprehended Carpiuc on May 17 at Luton Airport moments before his flight to Romania.