In a court hearing, it was revealed that a mysterious Russian-speaking individual known as “El Money” orchestrated a series of arson attacks on properties associated with Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The accused, Roman Lavrynovych, allegedly set fire to a Toyota Rav4 in Kentish Town and subsequently ignited the front doors of two nearby homes with the assistance of co-defendants Stanislav Carpiuc and Petro Pochynok.
Prosecutor Duncan Atkinson KC informed the jury that the fires posed a grave danger to the occupants, including a nine-year-old girl, and were not mere coincidences but deliberate acts targeting the Prime Minister’s linked properties. The court was told that Lavrynovych had been promised payment by “El Money” to carry out the arson attacks, as evidenced by communication on the Telegram messaging app.
It was further revealed that Lavrynovych, Carpiuc, and Pochynok denied allegations of conspiracy to damage property by fire. Lavrynovych faced additional charges related to endangering life through arson. The incidents involved targeting specific properties linked to the PM, including a house where Sir Keir had once resided.
The court heard details of the planning and execution of the attacks, including messages exchanged between the defendants and “El Money.” Lavrynovych’s interactions with the anonymous Telegram user indicated a focus on financial gain rather than coercion. CCTV footage and messages between the defendants provided insight into the coordination of the arson attacks.
Jurors were instructed that the motive behind the attacks, regardless of the perpetrators’ knowledge of the PM’s connection to the properties, was irrelevant to the case. The trial, presided over by Mr. Justice Garnham, is set to continue through the end of May as the defendants maintain their plea of not guilty to the charges brought against them.
