Police Trace Russian‑Linked Plot Behind Arson Attacks on Properties Affiliated With UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer

Officials revealed new details on Monday about a series of arson attacks targeting properties linked to U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Police allege the suspects were recruited and directed by a Russian‑speaking handler.

According to police and court reports, the suspects were promised payment for carrying out a coordinated campaign in London in May 2025, including attacks on a vehicle and two properties connected to Starmer.

A new investigation reports the handler is a diplomat trained in information warfare and part of a broader Russian sabotage and disinformation operation directed from Moscow, the Kyiv Post said.

Ukrainian national Roman Lavrynovych, 22, and Romanian national Stanislav Carpiuc, 27, were convicted in connection with the arson plot after Lavrynovych was recruited by a Russian‑speaking Telegram handler known as “El Money,” according to police and court reports. The Kyiv Post also reported that Carpiuc was born in Ukraine. A third defendant, Petro Pochynok, 35, was acquitted.

British police are investigating a fire at the London home of Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer speaks during a meeting on Feb. 24, 2026. (Kin Cheung / POOL / AFP via Getty Images)

Police say Lavrynovych was recruited through Telegram by a Russian‑speaking handler saved in his phone contacts as “El Money,” who allegedly directed him through a series of increasingly serious tasks while promising payment in return.

“Look, you attacked the home of a very high‑ranking person in Britain. I’ll send you the money you need to leave the city,” the handler allegedly wrote in one message cited by investigators, the Kyiv Post said.

Britain has introduced new powers to target foreign state‑linked groups, including Iran’s IRGC.

Officials arrested a Ukrainian man who was later found guilty of setting fire to houses linked to U.K. Prime Minister Starmer. (Metropolitan Police)

The handler reportedly offered Lavrynovych Russian citizenship in exchange for carrying out the attacks and frequently voiced support for Russian President Vladimir Putin, the outlet said. Evidence also suggested that “El Money” was trained in information warfare by propagandists and intelligence operatives.

Investigators added that Russian operatives allegedly coordinated the campaign remotely through social media platforms and Telegram, using fake far‑right and Muslim online communities to sow division and fear in the U.K., the Kyiv Post said.

The Russian Embassy has reportedly denied any involvement, rejecting “any attempt to associate Russia or its foreign ministry with unlawful activities,” the report said.

Synagogue in London targeted in an attempted “antisemitic hate crime,” UK police say.

Police officers stand outside Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s private home after it was damaged by fire in a suspected arson attack in north London, May 13, 2025. (Reuters/Toby Melville)

According to officials, the three arson attacks occurred over a five‑day period in May 2025.

The first attack took place on May 8, when a Toyota vehicle formerly owned by Starmer was set ablaze.

A second fire was set on May 11 at the entrance of a residential property managed by a company in which Starmer had previously served as a director and shareholder.

The third attack occurred on May 12 at a house owned by the prime minister.

Russian President Vladimir Putin holds a video conference meeting outside Moscow on April 7, 2026.

Russian President Vladimir Putin holds a video conference meeting outside Moscow, April 7, 2026. (Alexander Kazakov, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)

“The actions of the two men involved in these arson attacks were incredibly reckless, and it was sheer luck that nobody was killed or injured,” Commander Helen Flanagan, head of Counter Terrorism Policing London, said in a statement.

Police said Lavrynovych was arrested on May 13 last year after detectives linked the suspect to the attacks through CCTV footage and phone records indicating he had conducted reconnaissance ahead of the fires.

Authorities said Carpiuc was arrested on May 17 in the departure lounge at Luton Airport moments before boarding a flight to Romania.

Bonny Chu is a Breaking and Trending News Writer for Fox News Digital

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