This case involves a series of arson attacks linked to Keir Starmer, the former leader of the Labour Party in the UK. The attacks were carried out by two men, Roman Lavrynovych and Stanislav Carpiuc, who were recruited by an individual known as "El Money." Here are key points from the case: 1. **Arson Attacks:** - Three fires were set: 1. A Toyota RAV4 car owned by Starmer. 2. The front door of a property managed by Starmer. 3. Outside the home where Starmer previously lived, now occupied by his sister-in-law. 2. **Recruitment and Instructions:** - Lavrynovych was initially recruited to print out ads but later instructed to check for CCTV at two addresses for £1,500. - He was then asked to set fire to the Toyota RAV4 car, which failed to gain media attention. El Money instructed him to "finish the job" and make it newsworthy. - Lavrynovych also set fire to a door of a property that Starmer had previously managed. 3. **El Money's Role:** - El Money communicated with Lavrynovych via Telegram, providing instructions on what to buy and how to execute the arson. - He promised payment in cryptocurrency for his services. - Lavrynovych reported feeling threatened by El Money, who knew his address. 4. **Pochynok's Involvement:** - Pochynok was recruited by Carpiuc to help with the first fire and assisted in planning and receiving payments. 5. **Lavrynovych’s Motivation:** - Lavrynovych claimed he needed the money and felt threatened. - He denied any political motivations or grudges against Starmer, the government, or England. - He expressed negative views about Russia and its leader Putin during police interviews. 6. **Investigation Findings:** - There is no evidence linking these attacks directly to Russia. - Lavrynovych did not have a clear understanding of why El Money wanted press coverage for the arson attempts, though he acknowledged it was important to El Money. 7. **Legal Proceedings:** - The case was heard in London, where Lavrynovych and Carpiuc were tried for their roles in the arson attacks. - Lavrynovych maintained that his actions were carried out as instructed by El Money without any personal political motives. This case highlights the use of online platforms to recruit individuals for politically motivated acts and raises questions about the extent of state-sponsored or non-state sponsored cyber operations targeting political figures.