Authorities shared fresh details on Monday regarding a series of arson attacks on properties associated with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The investigation suggests that the suspects were recruited and managed by Russian-speaking operatives.
Reports from the police and court systems indicate that these suspects were incentivized with payments to carry out coordinated attacks that targeted a vehicle and two properties related to Starmer in London during May 2025.
It has been revealed that these handlers are diplomats skilled in information warfare and likely part of a larger Russian campaign of sabotage and disinformation originating from Moscow, based on recent findings.
According to the records, two individuals, Roman Lavrinovic, a 22-year-old Ukrainian, and 27-year-old Stanislav Karpiucci from Romania, were convicted due to their involvement in the arson scheme. It was noted that Lavrinovic had been scouted by a Russian-speaking telegraph operator who went by the name “El Money.” Interestingly, Karpiuk, while of Romanian nationality, also has Ukrainian roots. There was a third defendant, Petro Pochnok, aged 35, who was acquitted.
In reaction to incidents at Starmer’s London residence, police said Lavrinovic was contacted through Telegram by his Russian-speaking handler, who promised payment for undertaking increasingly serious missions.
One alarming message reportedly sent to Lavrinovic included a statement like, “You raided the house of a very high-ranking person in Britain. I’ll send you the money you need to leave the city.” That’s quite a chilling thought, isn’t it?
Moreover, it appears that the handler offered Lavrinovic Russian citizenship in exchange for executing these attacks and showed consistent support for Vladimir Putin. It was further indicated that El Mane had received training in information warfare techniques from propagandists and intelligence personnel.
Investigators uncovered suspicions that Russian agents might be managing a remote campaign using social media and Telegram to create division and fear in Britain, possibly utilizing fake online communities representing far-right and Muslim groups.
Notably, the Russian embassy has denied any involvement, dismissing any connections to illegal activities as unfounded.
Officials revealed that the arson incidents occurred within a span of five days in May 2025. The first attack took place on May 8, when a car once owned by Starmer was set ablaze.
Next, on May 11, a fire erupted at the entrance of a residential property linked to Starmer’s previous business interests. Then, on May 12, flames were reported at another residence belonging to him.
Commander Helen Flanagan, who leads London’s counter-terrorism police, commented on the reckless nature of these actions, emphasizing that it was lucky no one was injured or killed.
Police reported that Lavrinovic was arrested on May 13 after being linked to the crime through security footage and cellphone records that showed he had surveilled the location prior to the incident.
Additionally, Karpiu was apprehended on May 17 at Luton Airport while attempting to board a flight to Romania.
