Overview
- The Old Bailey jury found Roman Lavrynovych and Stanislav Carpiuc guilty on Monday of conspiracy to damage property by fire with Lavrynovych also convicted of two counts of arson that could have endangered life.
- The attacks in May 2025 targeted a Toyota RAV4 once owned by Sir Keir Starmer and two north London houses associated with him, and firefighters told the court the blazes posed a serious risk to occupants who were asleep.
- Police built the case with phone messages and location data, CCTV footage, a petrol can carrying DNA, trainers forensically linked to accelerant, and purchase records showing materials used in the fires.
- Investigators say both defendants had contact with an anonymous Russian‑speaking Telegram user known as 'El Money' who promised payment and gave instructions, while media reports point to a wider Russian‑linked sabotage network that police say they have not been able to prove.
- Sentencing on Friday will conclude the criminal case and leaves open wider questions for security agencies about anonymous tasking on encrypted apps and the risks of recruiting people to carry out violent acts for promised payments.