A Ukrainian national was convicted Monday for carrying out a series of arson attacks linked to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, in a case that investigators say bears hallmarks of Russian-backed sabotage. Roman Lavrynovych, 21, was found guilty alongside an accomplice for setting fires to three targets in London during May 2025, including a car once owned by Starmer and two residential properties, one of which had previously been the prime minister’s home.

The attacks, which did not cause significant damage or injuries, were orchestrated by an elusive figure using the online alias “El Money.” This individual recruited Lavrynovych via the internet and provided detailed instructions on target locations and the preparation of flammable materials. Despite intentions to publicize the attacks, video footage uploaded was poor quality and failed to attract widespread attention. The suspicious activity did, however, prompt an extensive investigation by British counterterrorism authorities.

During the six-week trial, jurors heard that Lavrynovych was initially paid to post provocative anti-Islamic materials in London neighborhoods, seemingly aimed at fomenting social unrest. He later received threats and offers of larger payments to execute the arson attacks. His defense attorney described him as a vulnerable individual manipulated by a more significant, undisclosed operator. The defense also suggested that the attacks were politically motivated, targeting Starmer due to his public support for Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict with Russia.

While British prosecutors brought charges related to arson and conspiracy, they did not invoke the National Security Act, which addresses state-sponsored threats, leaving the broader context of Kremlin involvement unproven in court. Justice Neil Garnham, presiding over the case, cautioned the jury against speculation about “El Money,” acknowledging that little is known about this figure or network.

British counterterrorism police stated they have no evidence from their investigation indicating direct state sponsorship of the attacks. However, experts and European intelligence services have highlighted a pattern of covert operations attributed to Russia, including arson, cyberattacks, and assassination attempts aimed at destabilizing countries supporting Ukraine. Cmdr. Dominic Murphy, who oversaw the initial inquiry before his retirement, noted similarities between the methods used by “El Money” and those employed by Russian intelligence actors in previous UK sabotage cases. Murphy pointed out the inherent challenges of gathering publicly admissible evidence linking such attacks to Moscow due to the reliance on classified intelligence.

Russia’s role remains officially unconfirmed, with the UK government avoiding direct attribution in public statements. The Home Office condemned the attacks as “abhorrent” and confirmed that those responsible have faced justice but declined to elaborate on possible Russian involvement. Russian President Vladimir Putin dismissed allegations of covert operations, demanding concrete proof.

Investigators continue efforts to identify the masterminds behind “El Money,” whose communication methods and use of the Russian language suggest residency in Russia. Analysts characterize the current wave of attacks as part of a broader Russian strategy to destabilize Western countries without triggering full-scale military conflict.

The case highlights the complexities in countering hybrid warfare tactics where proxy operatives carry out low-level sabotage under remote direction, complicating legal and diplomatic responses. Experts and officials stress the importance of public awareness and resilience against such tactics, urging ongoing vigilance to protect national security.

Shortly before his arrest, Lavrynovych was promised payment by “El Money” that never materialized. His lawyer concluded that the true “winner” in the case remains the anonymous individual who manipulated and exploited a vulnerable young man for political violence.