The messaging app Telegram is under scrutiny by the UK media regulator Ofcom following the conviction of a Ukrainian man for arson attacks linked to Labour leader Keir Starmer. Authorities say Roman Lavrynovych, 22, conspired to set fire to a car and two properties associated with Starmer in May 2025 after being directed via Telegram by an individual connected to Russia.

Lavrynovych was found guilty alongside Stanislav Carpiuc, a 27-year-old Romanian also convicted of arson. Both defendants are scheduled to be sentenced shortly. During the trial, evidence emerged that Lavrynovych and his associates were recruited months in advance through a Telegram account operated by a figure known as EL, El Money, or “Hroshi” in Ukrainian. This handler allegedly offered Lavrynovych £3,000 in cryptocurrency to ignite the fires, record the incidents, and secure media coverage. Police recovered over 320 messages exchanged between the two on the platform. Following the attacks, El Money instructed Lavrynovych to leave the UK.

Reports linking the El Money account to a sabotage network based in Russia have intensified questions about Telegram’s role in enabling illegal coordination on its platform. Ofcom has contacted Telegram seeking further clarification regarding its measures to prevent unlawful incitement and comply with UK regulations. The regulator’s inquiry is described as an informal pre-investigation focused on assessing the app’s overall safety framework rather than targeting specific content or users.

Telegram, founded by Russian-born Pavel Durov, who identifies as a libertarian, operates out of Dubai after Durov left Russia in 2017. Under the UK’s Online Safety Act, social media companies are tasked with conducting risk assessments and implementing safeguards to minimize access to illegal content by users in Britain. Ofcom's remit includes ensuring these platforms meet their statutory duties but does not extend to directing specific content removals.

Telegram did not provide a comment ahead of publication, while Ofcom confirmed ongoing communications in connection with the case. The development underscores continuing challenges in regulating encrypted messaging services amid concerns over their use for coordinating criminal activities across borders.