Two individuals have been convicted of planning arson attacks on properties and a vehicle associated with the Prime Minister. Roman Lavrynovych, a 22-year-old Ukrainian citizen, and Stanislav Carpiuc, a 27-year-old Ukrainian-born Romanian national, were found guilty at the Old Bailey for conspiring to commit arson on a property connected to Sir Keir Starmer.
The incidents occurred in May, where a Toyota Rav4 previously owned by Sir Keir was set on fire in Kentish Town, North London. Subsequently, two homes, including one in North London owned by the Prime Minister and occupied by his sister-in-law and her family, were set ablaze in the middle of the night, endangering the lives of the residents.
Lavrynovych faced additional charges for recklessly damaging two properties by fire in May of the previous year. However, he was acquitted on charges related to another property. Another individual, Petro Pochynok, a 35-year-old Ukrainian national, was acquitted of involvement in the arson conspiracy.
The court heard that Lavrynovych carried out the attacks after being solicited online by a Russian-speaking user named “El Money,” who offered him cryptocurrency in exchange for filming the blazes. Following the verdict, Commander Helen Flanagan of Counter Terrorism Policing London emphasized that there was no indication that El Money posed a state threat but highlighted the intent behind the attacks to instigate fear and disruption in the UK community and create uncertainty and unrest concerning the Prime Minister.
Flanagan warned that individuals tempted by monetary rewards to engage in criminal activities would be swiftly brought to justice and face severe penalties. The court was informed that Lavrynovych was directed by El Money to set fire to the Toyota Rav4 and subsequently attempted to involve others in the criminal acts. Carpiuc, arrested at Luton Airport while attempting to flee to Romania, denied participation, stating that he considered the plan illogical and illegal.
In his defense, Lavrynovych admitted setting the fires but claimed he was coerced by El Money, whom he believed to be influential with political connections. El Money had previously tasked Lavrynovych with committing other offenses for financial gain. Carpiuc and Pochynok distanced themselves from the arson plans, with Pochynok asserting he was unaware of the scheme until it was too late.
The trial revealed the dangerous nature of the arson attacks and the severe consequences faced by those involved. Lavrynovych was charged with arson, while Carpiuc’s reluctance to participate in the criminal activities was noted. The court proceedings shed light on the illicit activities orchestrated by external parties and the importance of swift justice in such cases.