A mysterious Russian-speaking individual known as “El Money” orchestrated a series of arson attacks targeting properties associated with Prime Minister Keir Starmer, a court revealed. Roman Lavrynovych, aged 22, stands accused of setting a Toyota Rav4 ablaze in Kentish Town on May 8 last year, followed by igniting the front doors of two nearby homes in subsequent days. His co-defendant, Stanislav Carpiuc, aged 27, allegedly recruited Lavrynovych and another individual, Petro Pochynok, aged 35, to assist in executing the plan.
During the trial at the Old Bailey, prosecutor Duncan Atkinson KC informed the jury that all the fires were interconnected and posed a threat to the occupants of the targeted properties. Atkinson emphasized the unusual occurrence of three fires in the same vicinity within a short period, especially when all properties were linked to the same individual, Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
According to Atkinson, Lavrynovych was enticed with monetary incentives by a contact referred to as “El Money” to carry out the arson attacks. Telegram messages recovered by the police revealed communications between Lavrynovych and “El Money” discussing the plan and promised payments for the criminal acts.
The defendants have denied the charges of conspiring to damage property by fire between April 1 and May 13 last year. Lavrynovych faces additional charges of intentionally damaging two properties by fire with the intent to endanger lives on specific dates in May last year.
The trial detailed the sequence of events starting with the arson on May 8, followed by subsequent fires at different locations. Atkinson highlighted that each fire was deliberately started at the front doors of the properties during late hours, indicating a potential risk to the lives of the residents inside.
Throughout the trial, it was emphasized that the defendants’ knowledge or motivation regarding the targeted properties’ connection to the Prime Minister was irrelevant. The court proceedings also discussed the extensive communication between Lavrynovych and “El Money” leading up to the arson incidents.
Lavrynovych, Carpiuc, and Pochynok have pleaded not guilty to all charges. The trial, presided over by Mr. Justice Garnham, is expected to continue until the end of May.