Verdict: Mostly True, but significantly exaggerated and sensationalised.
Three young men with Ukrainian connections – one described as a male model – face trial at the Old Bailey for arson attacks on properties linked to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The trial began on 27 April 2026. However, claims of a strict “super injunction” preventing all reporting appear false or heavily overstated. Mainstream media have covered the case, though coverage remains limited.
What actually happened
In May 2025, three separate incidents occurred in north London. First, a car previously owned by Starmer was set on fire. Then, fires were started at two properties connected to him, including one where he previously lived.
The accused are:
- Roman Lavrynovych, 21, Ukrainian national, described in court reports as a male model or aspiring model.
- Petro Pochynok, 34 or 35, Ukrainian national.
- Stanislav Carpiuc, 26 or 27, Romanian national born in Ukraine, also linked to modelling or fashion circles in some reports.
Lavrynovych faces three counts of arson with intent to endanger life. The other two face charges of conspiracy to commit arson with intent to endanger life. All three have pleaded not guilty. They appeared at the Old Bailey, and the jury trial started on 27 April 2026.
Police investigated the fires but have not treated the case as terrorism. Some reports note the men worked in construction or had modelling aspirations. The “male models” and “rent-boys” labels come mainly from social media, YouTube channels, and partisan blogs, which added a sensational and often homophobic tone to the story.
The super injunction claim
No evidence supports the existence of a super injunction specifically blocking reporting on this criminal trial.
Mainstream outlets such as the BBC, Reuters, Sky News, and the Daily Mail have reported on the arrests, charges, pleas, and trial date. Coverage exists, but it is relatively low-key compared to what one might expect for attacks on a sitting Prime Minister’s former home.
Some alternative media and social media users claim a media blackout or gagging order. However, court listings are public, and no official reporting restrictions beyond standard sub judice rules (which apply to any active criminal case) appear to have been imposed. The limited mainstream attention may reflect editorial choices rather than a legal ban.
Clarifications
True core facts: Three men with Ukrainian ties were charged. At least one had modelling connections. The trial did begin around late April 2026 at the Old Bailey. The attacks targeted properties and a car linked to Starmer.
Exaggerated or fabricated elements: The dramatic phrasing “Keir Starmer’s little secrets” and strong suggestions of a hidden personal relationship (implied by “rent-boys”) rely on unproven rumours and conspiracy theories circulating online. No credible evidence has emerged in court or mainstream reporting to support motives involving personal secrets.
Origins of the story: Initial police reports and court appearances were covered in May-November 2025. Renewed attention in April 2026 came largely from right-leaning blogs and social media, which amplified the “Ukrainian male models” angle and invented or exaggerated the super injunction narrative.
