Two Ukrainian men, Roman Lavrynovych and Stanislav Carpiuc, were found guilty of conspiring to commit arson attacks in London, according to court proceedings at the Old Bailey. The attacks, which occurred in early May 2026, targeted properties linked to senior British political figures, including one associated with the Prime Minister’s family.

Lavrynovych, 21, and Carpiuc, 27, both arrived in the United Kingdom from Ukraine several years ago, initially seeking work and opportunities. Lavrynovych fled Ukraine shortly before Russia’s invasion in 2022, while Carpiuc had lived in Russia and Romania before settling in Britain in 2017. Both men had pursued modelling careers and various construction jobs but struggled financially in recent years.

Prosecutors detailed how the pair were recruited by an individual known as El Money, who operated a Telegram account reportedly linked to Russian proxies. Lavrynovych began working for this contact in September 2024, allegedly orchestrating the attacks under their direction. Evidence presented at trial included the purchase of accelerants and surveillance of planned targets.

The arson campaign began on May 8, when Lavrynovych set fire to a vehicle in Kentish Town, actions recorded by Petro Pochynok, a former flatmate who worked in construction and logistics. Later incidents included fires set at properties connected to the Prime Minister, including one rented by Judith Alexander, the Prime Minister’s sister-in-law. On May 12, Lavrynovych ignited the front door of the Kentish Town property, causing significant smoke damage and distress to residents. Emergency services arrived approximately ten minutes after reports of the fire.

During the trial, Lavrynovych denied knowledge that the property belonged to any political figure and expressed frustration over delayed payment for his involvement, claiming the need to fund his father’s medical treatment. Despite repeated demands for payment to a cryptocurrency account held by Carpiuc, funds were delayed, with El Money warning of the political sensitivity of the attacks and instructing Lavrynovych to leave London.

Following their arrest in early May, the families of Lavrynovych and Carpiuc strongly rejected allegations that the men knowingly targeted the Prime Minister’s family on behalf of Russian interests. Lavrynovych’s father, Mykola, insisted his son was a proud Ukrainian and supporter of Britain who would not harm others, suggesting he had been manipulated or set up. Similarly, Carpiuc’s family described him as loyal to Ukraine and incapable of knowingly serving Russian agendas.

Pochynok, who was cleared of conspiracy charges, came from a family directly affected by the conflict in Ukraine, with some of his family businesses destroyed by Russian shelling and his father killed in service to the Ukrainian army.

Neighbours and acquaintances painted Lavrynovych as a polite and helpful individual, with some describing him as a “gentleman” known for his quiet demeanor. His grandmother described him as mentally fragile, possibly in need of psychological help.

The case has drawn attention amid ongoing tensions related to the war in Ukraine and concerns over foreign influence and espionage activities on UK soil. Authorities continue to scrutinize the extent of external manipulation behind the attacks and any networks involved.