Two individuals have been convicted of planning and executing arson attacks on properties and a vehicle associated with a prominent political figure. Roman Lavrynovych, a 22-year-old Ukrainian national, and Stanislav Carpiuc, a 27-year-old Ukrainian-born Romanian national, were found guilty at the Old Bailey for conspiring to commit arson on properties related to Sir Keir Starmer.
In a span of five days in May last year, incidents of arson occurred at a residence in north London linked to Starmer, another property nearby rented by Starmer’s sister-in-law, and a fire involving a Toyota previously owned by him. These attacks were carried out in the middle of the night, posing a severe threat to the occupants and causing fear among residents.
Lavrynovych was convicted of arson with intent to endanger life and reckless arson in connection with one of the house fires. The court heard that he was recruited online by a user named “El Money” who offered payment for carrying out the attacks. Another individual, Petro Pochynok, a 35-year-old Ukrainian national, was acquitted of involvement in the conspiracy.
Helen Flanagan, the head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, stated that there was no evidence suggesting El Money posed a state threat. However, the motive behind the attacks was to instill fear and create disruption in the community, particularly targeting the Prime Minister. Flanagan emphasized that the defendants acted as proxies for El Money and warned against engaging in criminal activities for monetary gain.
Following the convictions, Flanagan cautioned potential offenders, asserting that swift justice would be pursued for anyone involved in attacks within the UK. Lavrynovych was instructed by El Money to set fire to a Toyota Rav4, with subsequent incidents targeting properties linked to the Prime Minister, leading to arrests and legal proceedings.
During the trial, Lavrynovych admitted to setting fire to a property but claimed coercion by El Money. The true identity of El Money remains unknown, and Lavrynovych believed him to be influential with political ties. Carpiuc, a hotel worker, distanced himself from the plan, labeling it as illegal, while Pochynok, a construction worker and delivery driver, denied prior knowledge of the arson scheme.
The court proceedings revealed the dangerous nature of the arson attacks and the involvement of external influencers in inciting criminal acts. The convictions serve as a stern warning against participating in unlawful activities orchestrated for monetary incentives.
