Two Men Sentenced in UK for Attacks on Starmer-Linked Properties; Russia Links Found
A UK court has sentenced two men for attacks on houses and a car linked to Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The investigation found that the attacks were likely connected to Russia.
Two men have been convicted in the UK for attacks on two London houses and a car linked to Prime Minister Keir Starmer, with the court finding ties to Russia.
Prosecutors said that Roman Lavrinovich, a 22-year-old Ukrainian national, and Stanislav Karpiuts, a 27-year-old Romanian, were offered payment through the Telegram platform by a Russian-speaking individual using the alias "El Money".
Lavrinovich was sentenced to seven years in prison. Judge Neil Garnham called him a "useful idiot" who was used as a pawn for an unknown purpose. Karpiuts, who encouraged and supported Lavrinovich in committing arson, received a two-year sentence.
The attacks took place in May 2025 overnight. Two London houses were damaged, including Starmer's former home where his family lived, and a car previously owned by the prime minister.
Prosecutors stated that the perpetrators had no political motive; their actions were financially motivated. Metropolitan Police Counter Terrorism Commander Helen Flanagan said after the verdict that the main organizer aimed to create fear, though there is no evidence that "El Money" posed a threat to the state.
The Financial Times reported that the investigation found "El Money" was based in Russia and linked to the hacker group "NoName".
Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcomed the court's decision, saying the series of attacks should be seen in a broader context. He noted that Ukraine is doing well in the war and that Western sanctions are having a real impact on Russia.
