𝓤𝓷𝓲𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝓝𝓮𝔀𝓼

A convicted arsonist who targeted Sir Keir Starmer’s home in a suspected Russian plot has been kicked out of Britain. Ukrainian-born Romanian national, Stanislav Carpiuc, 28, and Ukrainian, Roman Lavrynovych, 22, were hired to set alight the former prime minister’s constituency home, a car he once used and a flat in Islington linked to Sir Keir. The two stooges were found guilty of conspiring with others to damage property by fire and jailed earlier this year. Carpiuc was sentenced to two years and Lavrynovych to seven years at the Old Bailey on June 19.

Carpiuc, who lived in Romford, Essex, played a supporting role to Lavrynovych, who was described as a “useful idiot” by the judge. Lavrynovych was recruited by a Russian speaking Telegram user named “EL”, accepting their offer of money.

The Old Bailey heard locals in Kentish Town, north London, reported a Toyota RAV4 on fire on May 8, 2025. Three nights later, a fire was discovered at a block of flats in Islington where Sir Keir had lived years earlier.

A day later, a blaze was started deliberately at a property in Kentish Town, where a substance, possibly white spirit, was poured on the front door and set alight.

The fire spread to the hallway of the home, which was being rented by Sir Keir to his sister-in-law, Judith Alexander. That attack left Ms Alexander struggling to breathe and terrified her nine-year-old. No one was injured in the fire.

After Lavrynovych and Carpiuc were convicted a BBC investigation linked the “EL” Telegram account to the son of a senior Russian official. The broadcaster alleged that Russian diplomat, Evgeny Lyukshin, masterminded the plot.

Detectives found Carpiuc played a coordinating role, including by planning parts of the attacks and handling payment arrangements.

He encouraged Lavrynovych in calls and messages and tried to collect the money offered for the attacks. At the Old Bailey, Mr Justice Garnham said Carpiuc “knew exactly what was planned”.

The Romanian did not join in the attack on the Toyota himself, but he introduced Lavrynovych to Petro Pochynok, who was asked to help. Pochynok, 35, was acquitted of conspiracy to damage property by fire. The judge found he did not know what had been planned and fled when he realised a car was being torched.

In court, the judge accepted Carpiuc had no previous convictions and gave police an honest account. He also noted Carpiuc was not looking for a financial reward and was never promised more than £100. Mr Justice Garnham also accepted he was partly trying to help Lavrynovych raise money for medical treatment for his dad.

Carpiuc has now been deported from the UK and banned from coming back. A Home Office spokesperson said: “This was an abhorrent attack and the conviction and imprisonment of these men should send a clear message to anyone blinded by the promise of money from strangers. You will be caught and face severe consequences.

“This individual has now been deported from the UK.”