'Useful idiot' hired on Telegram: Ukraine-born duo jailed for arson attacks on properties linked to UK PM Starmer

A plot orchestrated on behalf of Russia led to the jailing of two men for carrying out arson attacks on properties associated with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. At London's Old Bailey, 22-year-old Ukrainian national Roman Lavrynovych received a seven-year sentence, while 27-year-old Romanian citizen Stanislav Carpiuc was sentenced to two years.

The series of fires unfolded across north London in May 2025. An attack on May 8 targeted a Toyota Rav4 previously owned by Starmer. Three days later, a flat linked to the prime minister's past property holdings caught fire. In the early hours of May 12, another blaze broke out at Starmer's former residence, where his sister-in-law and her family were living, placing them at risk as smoke spread rapidly.

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You agreed to carry out this mindless piece of arson for money. You were easily bought.

Prosecutors revealed that Lavrynovych was recruited via Telegram by an anonymous Russian-speaking contact known as "EL" or "El Money." This individual allegedly promised payment in cryptocurrency in exchange for executing the attacks, filming them, and ensuring media coverage. Evidence showed Lavrynovych had previously undertaken other tasks for the same contact, including distributing far-right posters.

During sentencing, Mr Justice Garnham described Lavrynovych as a "useful idiot," easily bought and acting as a pawn for an unknown agenda. The judge rejected claims that Lavrynovych was unaware of the properties being occupied, deeming him "utterly reckless" regarding the danger posed. Carpiuc was found to have played a secondary role, primarily managing cryptocurrency transactions, though he knowingly supported the criminal enterprise.

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You were used by EL to advance some cause of which you knew nothing.