A court case revealed that a mysterious Russian-speaking individual known as “El Money” orchestrated a string of arson attacks targeting properties associated with Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Roman Lavrynovych, 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 neighboring homes over the subsequent days. Allegedly, Stanislav Carpiuc, 27, recruited Lavrynovych, along with Petro Pochynok, 35, to carry out the attacks.
According to prosecutor Duncan Atkinson KC, the fires were interconnected and posed a danger to the occupants, including a nine-year-old girl, as they targeted properties linked to the same individual within close proximity and time frame.
The court was informed that the vehicle torched, a Toyota Rav4, previously belonged to the Prime Minister, who also owned a residence on the same street later subjected to arson.
Furthermore, one of the arson incidents targeted a property once under the management of a company where Sir Keir had served as a director.
Messages retrieved from the Telegram app revealed Lavrynovych’s alleged communication with “El Money,” who purportedly recruited and directed him to start the fires in exchange for payment. Carpiuc also communicated with Lavrynovych about the planned attacks and payments.
Both defendants denied the charges of conspiracy to damage property by fire and Lavrynovych faces additional charges related to endangering life through arson.
The prosecution presented evidence indicating Lavrynovych’s early involvement in the arson plan, including his procurement of white spirit prior to the attacks and reconnaissance trips to target locations.
Despite assertions that Lavrynovych may have been coerced, the prosecution argued that his actions were primarily motivated by financial gain, as evidenced by his prior knowledge of the Prime Minister’s vehicle and discussions about monetary rewards for the attacks.
The trial, presided over by Mr. Justice Garnham, is ongoing, with the defendants maintaining their innocence.
