Russia-linked hacktivists accused in arson attacks on Keir Starmer’s properties

An FT investigation ties a Russia-based online sabotage network to arson attacks on Keir Starmer’s London homes and other targets connected to the UK prime minister; Ukrainian builder Roman Lavrynovych was convicted of the arsons after being groomed by a Telegram handler known as El Money, who was linked to pro-Kremlin hacktivist circles NoName057(16). The operation recruited UK proxies via the Direct Action group to vandalize sites and spread anti-Islamic content, illustrating Moscow-backed efforts to sow social discord in Europe, with some links to state-aligned actors remaining murky but the pattern of activity clearly pointing to Kremlin influence.