Three defendants—Roman Lavrynovych, Petro Pochynok, and Stanislav Carpiuc—are accused of planning and directing a series of fires in north London over five days, with the communications and orders carried via Telegram.

Prosecutors argue the fires were a coordinated, paid operation, not mere coincidence, and jurors are told not to identify the individual behind the alias “El Money.”

A Russian-speaking contact using the alias “El Money” allegedly offered payment to the Ukrainian and Romanian suspects to target a Starmer-linked car and two properties.

Residents awoke to fires and smoke, including a frightened 9-year-old, with occupants escaping as smoke spread through hallways and stairs.

The trial took place at the Old Bailey before Judge Christopher Moss and was adjourned to the following day.

“El Money” allegedly directed the targets and framed the motive as financial reward, with the mastermind operating in the background for seven months.

Prosecutor argued the evidence shows deliberate, financially motivated acts rather than political or ideological motives, and jurors should focus on coordination rather than identifying El Money.

Fires occurred between May 8 and May 12, including a Toyota car set ablaze in Kentish Town and two houses linked to Starmer, one via a management company and another occupied by his sister-in-law.

The first attack on May 8 was followed by fires on May 11 and May 12, all at front doors using accelerants to endanger life.

Targets included a Starmer-owned or Starmer-connected car and properties, indicating deliberate, non-random attacks.

The defense denies the charges and argues the case does not require determining motive beyond the illegal acts.

Defense maintains the court need not determine the motive or whether targets were connected to Starmer.