British Court Convicts Two in Russian-Linked Plot Against Prime Minister

Two men have been convicted in a British court for their roles in a series of arson attacks targeting properties and a car linked to Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Roman Lavrynovych, 22, and Stanislav Carpiuc, 27, were found guilty of conspiracy to commit arson by a jury in London on Monday.

The attacks took place over five days in May last year and targeted a house that Starmer vacated when he became prime minister, as well as another property he owned. A car previously belonging to him was also targeted. According to prosecutors, Lavrynovych was directed by a Russian-speaking individual, identified only by the alias “El Money”, to carry out the attacks in exchange for approximately $4,000 in cryptocurrency.

The online handler, El Money, contacted Lavrynovych via the messaging app Telegram and requested video of the attacks, which could be shared online to generate publicity. The investigation found that Lavrynovych was instructed to create fear and cause uncertainty among the victim and Prime Minister Starmer, as well as the general public.

The court heard that El Money, who remains unidentified, is believed by some to be a 23-year-old Russian diplomat named Evgeny Lyukshin. However, this claim has not been verified. The Russian embassy has denied any involvement in the attacks and stated that Russia poses no threat to the United Kingdom or its people.

Lavrynovych was also convicted on two counts of damaging property by fire and reckless endangerment. Carpiuc was found guilty of conspiracy to damage property by fire. Both men are due to be sentenced on Friday.

Source: Al Jazeera