Ukrainian Man Admits Setting Fire to Keir Starmers Car Under Threat 2026

A Ukrainian man has admitted to setting fire to a car that once belonged to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, telling a court he acted under threat from a powerful Russian-speaking figure using the pseudonym El Money. The case, heard at the Old Bailey in London, has revealed a chilling web of coercion, cryptocurrency payments, and targeted attacks on property linked to the prime minister. Roman Lavrynovych, 22, is accused alongside Stanislav Carpiuc, 27, and Petro Pochynok, 35, of arson attacks on a vehicle and two houses in north London.

How the Arson Plot Unfolded

In the early hours of 8 May last year, a Toyota Rav4 that once belonged to Starmer was burnt out in Kentish Town. The blaze was treated as suspicious after two more attacks on property connected to the prime minister occurred days later. Lavrynovych told jurors that El Money initially offered him £3,000 in cryptocurrency to set the car on fire, but he refused because he feared police detection.

According to court testimony, El Money became threatening, telling Lavrynovych, who was living with his grandmother in Sydenham, south-east London, that he had “better do this job” because he knew where he lived and it “might be dangerous” for him. Lavrynovych stated, “I agreed because I felt that there is a threat towards myself and my family. My fear was genuine.”

The Coercion and Payment

The deal required Lavrynovych to set fire to the vehicle, film it, and provide proof. However, El Money was dissatisfied because the arson was not covered by the news. “He told me that I didn’t do the job properly because it was not on the news and he wanted it broadcasted,” Lavrynovych said. The defendant explained that he had financial difficulties at the time, making the payment “essential” to his agreement.

Lavrynovych described being instructed to break a side window and throw in a bottle of flammable liquid. Fearing the sound of breaking glass might alert residents, he instead poured liquid on the front of the Toyota and set it alight using paper and his lighter. He also admitted to other jobs for El Money due to desperate need for funds, including spraying offensive, racist graffiti on an Islamic community centre in south London for just £20 and materials in December 2024.

Broader Context of Threats and Political Violence

This case highlights rising concerns over political violence and intimidation in the UK. According to a 2025 report by the Institute for Strategic Dialogue, threats against public figures have increased by 40% since 2020, often involving organized criminal networks. The use of cryptocurrency for payments in such attacks is also a growing trend, as digital currencies offer anonymity for illicit transactions.

The court heard that El Money claimed to be a “high-profile person” with political connections, saying “he is like a person with a high status.” Lavrynovych noted, “He just told me he is a person in power.” This case underscores how vulnerable individuals can be exploited by powerful actors using fear and financial desperation.

Key Details from the Trial

• Defendants: Roman Lavrynovych (22), Stanislav Carpiuc (27), and Petro Pochynok (35)
• Target: A Toyota Rav4 once owned by Keir Starmer, plus two houses in north London
• Payment: £3,000 in cryptocurrency, plus small cash for other jobs
• Additional acts: Racist graffiti on a community centre and planned poster campaign linking mosques to crime

FAQ: Understanding the Case

This trial continues to unfold at the Old Bailey, with the three defendants facing serious charges. The outcome will likely have implications for how authorities address the intersection of organized crime, political threats, and digital payment systems.