Two men sentenced to jail for arson attacks linked to the UK Prime Minister

Two men have been sentenced to prison for carrying out a series of arson attacks targeting properties associated with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Roman Lavrynovych, 22, and Stanislav Carpiuc, 27, were convicted of conspiring to damage property by fire following an overnight attack in May 2025.

According to prosecutors, the men received instructions from a figure using the name “El Money” via messaging app Telegram. El Money allegedly offered Lavrynovych money to carry out the attacks, which put lives at risk. Judge Neil Garnham described Lavrynovych as a “useful idiot” who was acting on behalf of an unknown cause.

Lavrynovych was sentenced to seven years in prison for his role in the attacks, while Carpiuc received a two-year sentence. The men targeted properties linked to Starmer, including his former residence and a Toyota car he formerly owned.

Prosecutors stated that there was no evidence of a political motivation behind the attacks, and that the motive was financial. Lavrynovych claimed not to have known who he was targeting, while messages from El Money were shown in court, instructing him to flee the UK after carrying out the attacks.

The Russian embassy in London rejected accusations of any involvement by Russia, stating that Moscow poses no threat to the United Kingdom’s security. The UK police did not find specific evidence linking the men to Russia. Starmer welcomed the verdicts, noting that the series of attacks should be considered in its broader context, including the current situation in Ukraine and Western sanctions on Russia.

Source: Al Jazeera