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Man accused of Starmer arson attacks did not intend to endanger life, court hears
Roman Lavrynovych testified at the Old Bailey that he was recruited online by a Russian-speaking figure and forced to carry out arson attacks linked to Sir Keir Starmer. He said he did not intend to endanger life and cited threats and a need to fund his father’s medical treatment; the other two defendants have yet to give evidence. The charges cover an alleged conspiracy to damage property by fire between 1 April and 13 May 2025, including arson on 11–12 May 2025 in north London properties connected to Starmer, with further fires in Kentish Town and Islington.
Why It Matters
The case involves alleged politically linked arson targeting a high-profile UK figure and highlights alleged online recruitment and coercion across international networks. It raises concerns about security around political figures and the vulnerability of individuals drawn into criminal activity via online channels.
Timeline
7 Events
Trial status: not guilty pleas and ongoing proceedings
May 11, 2026
All three defendants—Lavrynovych, Pochynok, and Carpiuc—have pleaded not guilty to the charges, and the trial at the Old Bailey continues.
Lavrynovych testimony: recruitment by El Money and threats
May 11, 2026
In the Old Bailey trial, Lavrynovych testified that he was recruited online by a Russian-speaking Telegram user nicknamed 'El Money', was threatened, and did not intend to endanger lives; he said he needed money for his father’s medical treatment.
Charges and timing of alleged offences reiterated
May 13, 2025
The offences include conspiracy to damage property by fire between 1 April and 13 May 2025; Lavrynovych is also charged with damaging property by fire with intent to endanger life on 11 and 12 May 2025.
Kentish Town house front entrance fire
May 12, 2025
On 12 May 2025, a fire was discovered at the front entrance to Sir Keir Starmer's Kentish Town house, in the same street as the burned car.
Islington flats fire linked to Sir Keir
May 11, 2025
Three days after the car arson, a fire was discovered at flats in nearby Islington linked to Sir Keir Starmer.
Toyota RAV4 arson in Kentish Town
May 8, 2025
On 8 May 2025, a Toyota car previously owned by the prime minister was found on fire in Kentish Town, north London, as part of the alleged arson sequence.
Conspiracy period to damage property by fire begins (charges cover Apr 1–May 13, 2025)
April 1, 2025
The charges against Roman Lavrynovych, Petro Pochynok, and Stanislav Carpiuc relate to a conspiracy to damage property by fire during a period running from 1 April to 13 May 2025, involving two properties and a car connected to Sir Keir Starmer.