Two men were found guilty Monday of conspiring to carry out arson attacks on a vehicle and two properties linked to UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer [1], [2].
The convictions highlight the intersection of foreign influence operations and domestic crime, as prosecutors linked the attacks to a Russian-backed campaign intended to destabilize political figures.
Roman Lavrynovych, 22, a Ukrainian national, and Stanislav Carpiuc, 27, a Ukrainian-born Romanian national, were convicted at the Old Bailey in London [1], [3]. The jury determined that the pair conspired to target assets associated with the Prime Minister in May 2025 [1], [4].
One of the attacks involved a vehicle set alight in Kentish Town, located in north London [1], [3]. Two other properties in London were also targeted as part of the plot [1], [3].
Prosecutors said the attacks were part of a broader Russian-backed campaign [5], [6]. Evidence presented during the trial indicated that a Russian speaker allegedly offered £3,000 [5], [6] in cryptocurrency to those who filmed the fires.
The trial concluded June 15, 2026 [2]. The court proceedings detailed how the defendants coordinated the arson attempts to cause maximum damage to properties linked to the political leader [3], [4].
“The attacks were part of a Russian-backed campaign.”
This case underscores the evolving nature of hybrid warfare, where foreign intelligence services may use cryptocurrency and third-party nationals to execute physical attacks on foreign soil. By targeting the personal assets of a head of government, the operation aimed to create a climate of fear and instability through low-level criminal acts coordinated by external actors.
