The recent arson attacks involving homes and a car connected to UK Labour leader Keir Starmer have sparked serious concerns among British intelligence agencies.
What started as a shocking criminal case has now deepened into a potential international incident, with MI5 reportedly probing whether Russia might be behind the attacks.
Who Are the Suspects and What Are They Accused Of?
Three men—two Ukrainians and one Romanian—have been charged in relation to these fires.
They allegedly conspired to damage two houses linked to Starmer and a car he previously owned.
The homes include one he rents out in Kentish Town, north London, and another in Islington, where he used to live.
The car was sold to a neighbour last year and was set on fire in early May.
The suspects are Petro Pochynok, 34, Stanislav Carpiuc, 26, and Roman Lavrynovych, 21. Interestingly, two of the men, Lavrynovych and Carpiuc, describe themselves as aspiring models, while Pochynok is known on social media as a fashion entrepreneur.
Lavrynovych was the first to be arrested, in mid-May, followed by Carpiuc at Luton Airport just before he was about to fly to Romania.
Pochynok was detained in Chelsea shortly after.
All three deny the charges and are currently in custody, awaiting their next court appearance at the Old Bailey in early June.
MI5 and Police Look Into Possible Kremlin Involvement
While police have remained tight-lipped, several senior government sources have revealed to The Mail on Sunday that MI5 is actively investigating whether the suspects had ties to Russian intelligence or operatives connected to Vladimir Putin’s regime.
This comes amid rising fears that the attacks could be a form of retaliation against Britain’s support for Ukraine in its ongoing war with Russia.
Experts say Russia has been known to recruit foreigners for covert attacks, especially after many Kremlin spies were expelled from European countries in recent years.
However, investigators are also cautious — they have yet to find clear evidence directly linking the suspects to the Kremlin, and are exploring other possibilities such as involvement from Russian militias or criminal groups.
The Fires and Their Impact on National Security
The fires themselves didn’t cause injuries, but their symbolism has not been lost on officials or the public.
One fire damaged the front door of the Islington house, another affected the Kentish Town property, and the car—a Toyota Rav4 hybrid—was torched on the street where the house is located.
Because these properties are tied to the leader of the Labour Party and former Shadow Chancellor, the Met’s Counter-Terrorism Command took charge of the investigation from the start.
Keir Starmer himself called the attacks “an attack on all of us, on democracy, and the values that we stand for,” highlighting how seriously the government is taking the matter.
A Broader Pattern of Russian Aggression Across Europe
This case is part of a wider pattern of Russian aggression in the UK and Europe.
Over the past 18 months, there have been numerous incidents allegedly linked to Russia, including spy rings, arson attacks, and other forms of sabotage.
Just last month, six Bulgarians were convicted of spying for Russia in the UK.
Across Europe, intelligence services have reported Russian attempts to disrupt societies and intimidate supporters of Ukraine.
For example, in Lithuania, Russian intelligence was accused of recruiting Ukrainians to torch an Ikea store.
There have also been arson attacks in Poland and disturbing acts like placing coffins with anti-Western messages in France.
Even the United States has faced threats, with intelligence agencies warning of explosive parcels sent by Russia that could have endangered transatlantic flights.
What Happens Next in This High-Stakes Investigation?
For now, investigators remain cautious but alert.
The case remains open as MI5, the Met, and other security agencies work together to uncover the full story behind these arson attacks.
A Whitehall source summed it up by saying, “Everyone is genuinely keeping an open mind about this.”
The outcome could have serious implications not just for the men charged, but for UK-Russia relations at a time of heightened tension.