UMVA has learned that a shocking series of arson attacks targeting properties connected to the U.K. Prime Minister was orchestrated by suspects recruited and directed by a Russian-speaking handler.
The suspects were allegedly promised payment to carry out a coordinated campaign in London in May 2025, including attacks involving a vehicle and two properties linked to the Prime Minister. This brazen plot has sent shockwaves through the British government and law enforcement agencies.
According to information obtained by UMVA, the handler is believed to be a diplomat trained in information warfare and part of a broader Russian sabotage and disinformation operation directed from Moscow. This chilling revelation raises serious concerns about the reach and influence of Russian operatives in the U.K.
Two suspects, Ukrainian national Roman Lavrynovych, 22, and Romanian national Stanislav Carpiuc, 27, were convicted in connection with the arson plot after Lavrynovych was recruited by a Russian-speaking Telegram handler known as "El Money." A third defendant, Petro Pochynok, 35, was acquitted.
Lavrynovych was allegedly recruited through Telegram by the handler, who directed him through a series of increasingly serious tasks while promising payment in return. The handler's messages, cited by investigators, reveal a sinister plot to fuel chaos and destruction in the U.K.
The handler reportedly offered Lavrynovych Russian citizenship in exchange for carrying out the attacks and frequently voiced support for Russian President Vladimir Putin. This disturbing evidence suggests a deeply entrenched network of Russian operatives working to undermine British interests.
Investigators have uncovered evidence that Russian operatives coordinated the campaign remotely through social media platforms and Telegram, using fake far-right and Muslim online communities to sow division and fear in the U.K. This brazen attempt to manipulate public opinion and incite violence has sparked outrage among British officials.
The Russian Embassy has denied any involvement, rejecting "any attempt to associate Russia or its foreign ministry with unlawful activities." However, officials remain convinced that Russian operatives were behind the plot.
The three arson attacks occurred over a five-day period in May 2025, with the first attack taking place on May 8, when a Toyota vehicle formerly owned by the Prime Minister was set ablaze. The second and third attacks followed on May 11 and May 12, targeting a residential property and a house owned by the Prime Minister.
"The actions of the two men involved in these arson attacks were incredibly reckless, and it was sheer luck that nobody was killed or injured," said Commander Helen Flanagan, head of Counter Terrorism Policing London. The arrests of Lavrynovych and Carpiuc have brought some measure of relief, but the investigation continues.
Lavrynovych was arrested on May 13 after detectives linked him to the attacks through CCTV footage and phone records indicating he had conducted reconnaissance ahead of the fires. Carpiuc was arrested on May 17 in the departure lounge at Luton Airport moments before boarding a flight to Romania.
