Court exposes Roman Lavrynovych and alleged El Money network in arson attacks targeting Keir Starmer properties across North London United Kingdom

A London courtroom has heard explosive allegations that arson attacks targeting properties linked to UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer were coordinated through a mysterious Russian Telegram user known only as “El Money.”

The case, unfolding at the Old Bailey, has drawn attention not just for the violence of the alleged crimes, but for the alleged online recruitment of young men into politically charged sabotage-for-cash plots.

Prosecutors say the attacks were not random acts, but carefully directed operations involving cryptocurrency promises, encrypted messaging, and coordinated targeting of high-profile locations in North London.

How the Alleged Firebomb Plot Unfolded Online

According to evidence presented in court, Roman Lavrynovych, a 22-year-old Ukrainian roofer, allegedly developed a “working relationship” with an anonymous Telegram user called El Money.

That online figure is said to have offered cash incentives for carrying out arson attacks and providing photos or videos as proof.

Messages shown to jurors reportedly included instructions, payment promises in cryptocurrency, and even coded advice on avoiding police detection.

At one point, the mysterious handler allegedly told Lavrynovych to write the word “geranium” if arrested, promising legal help and financial support.

After the attacks, the account allegedly disappeared without fulfilling any payment promises.

The Night of the Fire at Starmer’s Family Home

One of the most disturbing allegations relates to an incident on 12 May last year, when a fire broke out at a North London property linked to Sir Keir Starmer’s family.

Prosecutors say Lavrynovych poured a flammable liquid on the front door, triggering a blaze while family members were inside sleeping.

Sir Keir’s sister-in-law, who was staying at the property, reportedly woke to loud bangs and smoke filling the building.

She managed to call emergency services at 1:10am, but not before the fire began spreading through the entrance.

Her young daughter was also inside and was described as terrified by the incident.

The family suffered breathing difficulties due to smoke inhalation, though no physical injuries were reported.

A String of Coordinated Arson Attacks

The court also heard that the same individual is accused of earlier attacks, including:

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• Setting fire to a Toyota RAV4 previously owned by Sir Keir Starmer
• Targeting another property linked to a company associated with him
• Circulating images of the burning vehicle online

Jurors were shown an image allegedly capturing Lavrynovych standing near the burning car shortly after ignition.

Prosecutors argue these incidents form a pattern, not isolated acts.

Alleged Recruitment and Payment Promises

Two other men, Petro Pochynok, 35, and Stanislav Carpiuc, 27, are also on trial, accused of involvement in the same conspiracy.

Evidence presented suggests the group was promised payments via cryptocurrency, with claims of earning thousands for each completed “job.”

One message allegedly offered £2,000 for setting fire to a vehicle.

Prosecutors also said Lavrynovych attempted to recruit additional participants via Instagram, further expanding the alleged network.

However, none of the defendants are said to have received payment.

The Mystery of “El Money” and Missing Digital Evidence

A key mystery in the case is the identity of El Money.

Investigators reportedly recovered more than 320 messages between the Telegram account and Lavrynovych, dating back to September 2024.

However, police say only fragments of the conversation remain, as most of the chat was deleted.

This has made it difficult to trace the origin of the alleged coordinator.

The prosecution argues El Money “directed” the attacks by sending images of targets marked in red and instructions describing what to do.

The defence disputes claims of coercion or control.

Other Known Context Around the Case

The case reflects a growing concern among European security agencies about:

• Use of encrypted apps like Telegram for recruitment into criminal activity
• Cryptocurrency being used as untraceable payment systems
• Increasing “remote direction” of crimes where organisers never physically appear
• Online radicalisation or manipulation of vulnerable individuals for profit

Security analysts have previously warned that loosely connected online actors can sometimes function like informal criminal marketplaces, especially when anonymity tools are used.

Impact and Consequences

If the allegations are proven, the case could have wide implications:

• Increased scrutiny of encrypted messaging platforms
• Stronger regulation of cryptocurrency-based payments in criminal investigations
• Heightened security around political figures and their families
• Expansion of cyber-forensics capabilities in UK policing
• Public concern over foreign-linked online criminal coordination

It also raises broader questions about how far online actors can influence real-world violence without direct physical involvement.

What’s Next?

The trial at the Old Bailey is ongoing, and several key issues still need to be resolved:

• The true identity of El Money remains unknown
• Whether the Telegram messages fully represent coordination or exaggeration
• The exact level of involvement of each defendant
• Digital forensic evidence regarding deleted communications

Further witness testimony and technical analysis of seized devices are expected in upcoming hearings.

Summary

A UK court has heard claims that arson attacks on properties linked to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer were allegedly directed by an anonymous Russian Telegram user known as El Money.

The accused, including Roman Lavrynovych, are said to have carried out firebombing attacks in exchange for cryptocurrency payments that never arrived.

The case centres on online coordination, encrypted messaging, and the growing role of digital platforms in alleged real-world crimes.

Bulleted Takeaways

• Court hears arson attacks linked to properties associated with Sir Keir Starmer
• Alleged ringleader “El Money” used Telegram to coordinate attacks
• Suspects promised cryptocurrency payments for arson “jobs”
• Victims include Starmer-linked family home and vehicle
• Fire at North London home occurred while family members were inside
• No injuries reported, but occupants suffered smoke exposure
• Over 320 messages reportedly exchanged between suspect and Telegram user
• Identity of El Money remains unknown due to deleted chat records
• Three defendants deny conspiracy and fire-related charges
• Trial at Old Bailey continues with further evidence expected