A BBC investigation has uncovered evidence linking a sophisticated Russian-backed influence and sabotage campaign to a series of arson attacks targeting properties connected to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, including his former home in north London.

The report comes after Ukrainian national Roman Lavrynovych, 22, and Ukrainian-born Romanian citizen Stanislav Carpiuc, 27, were convicted Monday at London's Old Bailey of conspiring to commit arson. A third defendant, Petro Pochynok, 35, was acquitted.

Prosecutors said the attacks targeted a vehicle previously owned by Starmer, a former residence, and a house linked to the prime minister. Lavrynovych was arrested within hours of setting fire to the property.

According to the BBC investigation, the convicted men were allegedly directed through Telegram by an anonymous handler known only as "EL," who investigators say may be Russian national Evgeny Lyukshin, a 23-year-old diplomat and the son of a senior Russian official.

The BBC reported that messages from the account behind "EL" promoted Russian nationalist views, praised Russian President Vladimir Putin, disparaged Ukrainians, and offered financial rewards and even Russian citizenship for carrying out attacks.

The investigation alleges that "EL" recruited Lavrynovych through online job groups used by Ukrainians living in Britain and gradually assigned increasingly serious criminal tasks, ranging from posting flyers and graffiti to committing arson.

British prosecutors focused largely on the financial motives behind the crimes during trial proceedings, while the identity and potential state connections of the handler were not explored in court.

The BBC reported that Russian-linked operatives also created fake activist organizations designed to inflame tensions within Britain. One group, called Direct Action UK, posed as a grassroots far-right movement while allegedly encouraging attacks on mosques, police facilities, and political targets.

The group promoted anti-Muslim messages, offered payments for vandalism, and published propaganda portraying Starmer as a traitor.

Investigators found evidence suggesting the operation was coordinated from Russia, including Moscow-based timestamps, Russian-language communications, and accounts tied to pro-Kremlin messaging.

The anti-racism watchdog Hope Not Hate told the BBC it warned British authorities months before the Starmer attacks that Direct Action appeared to be a Russian operation aimed at provoking violence and social unrest.

The organization reportedly alerted counterterrorism officials that individuals connected to the network could be grooming people inside Britain to carry out attacks against Muslim targets.

The BBC investigation also found that Russian-based social media accounts spread false claims after the Starmer arson attacks, including allegations that the suspects were involved in a sex scandal with the prime minister. The claims were amplified online despite investigators finding no evidence to support them.

Russia's embassy in London denied any involvement.

"We reject any attempt to associate Russia or its foreign ministry with unlawful activities," the embassy said in a statement to the BBC, adding that Russia poses "no threat to the United Kingdom or its people."

The findings add to growing concerns among Western intelligence agencies that Moscow is increasingly using online influence operations, covert recruitment, and social media networks to conduct acts of sabotage and sow political division across Europe and the United Kingdom.