Two men have been convicted of conspiring to commit arson attacks on property and a car linked to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, as a BBC investigation reveals a Russian diplomat is allegedly behind the firebomb plot.
Convictions and Plot Details
Roman Lavrynovych, 22, and Stanislav Carpiuc, 27, were found guilty of conspiring to commit arson. Co-defendant Petro Pochynok, 35, was cleared. A Toyota Rav4 formerly owned by Starmer was torched in Kentish Town, north London, last May. Days later, two properties were set alight, including a north London residence where the Prime Minister's sister-in-law and her family lived. The incidents occurred at night while occupants slept, posing a grave danger to life.
Prosecutors stated Lavrynovych executed the attacks after online recruitment by a Russian-speaking Telegram user known as 'El Money', who offered £3,000 in cryptocurrency for fires recorded and featured in news coverage.
Russian Diplomat Connection
The BBC reported that 'EL' is actually a young Russian diplomat, Evgeny Lyukshinn, trained by intelligence operatives and propagandists in information warfare, with ties to Moscow's highest authorities. Lavrynovych encountered 'El Money' in a Telegram group for Ukrainians seeking work in London. The same account distributed pro-Russian and anti-Ukrainian content, declaring: 'It is obvious that Putin is the leader of the white race.'
Lyukshinn, 23, is the son of a senior Russian diplomat and attended a 'media school' at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations, focusing on 'information warfare' delivered by intelligence operatives. He operated fake organizations like Direct Action, which championed Tommy Robinson, and the Takbir Foundation, to fuel discord and provoke far-right reactions.
Investigation and Aftermath
Counter Terrorism Policing stated no evidence linked any individual or organization to 'El Money'. Commander Helen Flanagan said there was nothing to indicate a 'state threat', but the intention was to cause fear and disruption. Lavrynovych and Carpiuc were remanded in custody ahead of sentencing.
Lavrynovych admitted setting fire to the property but claimed he was threatened by 'El Money'. Carpiuc maintained he declined to participate, calling the scheme 'stupid' and illegal. Ms Flanagan warned others lured by 'easy cash' to beware.
