A BBC investigation has revealed that arson attacks targeting properties linked to the UK's Prime Minister were part of an extensive Russian campaign of sabotage and provocation. The findings suggest the Russian state was behind the incidents.

One convicted perpetrator, 22-year-old Ukrainian builder Roman Lavrynovych, was weaponized to target the head of government. Messages uncovered by the BBC indicate his anonymous handler, known by the initials EL, offered Russian citizenship in return for further attacks and expressed admiration for President Vladimir Putin.

The BBC investigation identified evidence suggesting EL is Evgeny Lyukshin, a 23-year-old Russian diplomat who is the son of a senior official. Lyukshin is described as being schooled in information warfare and close to the highest levels of power in Moscow. Lavrynovych was arrested within hours of the fire at the Prime Minister's house.

Russian operatives reportedly ran their sabotage and provocation campaign remotely, utilizing social media and the messaging app Telegram. They allegedly created fake online far-right and Muslim groups to organize vandalism in the UK and sow division and fear. Accounts based in Russia are also accused of spreading disinformation about the motive for the arson attacks.

Two men, Roman Lavrynovych and 27-year-old Ukrainian-born Romanian national Stanislav Carpiuc, have been convicted at the Old Bailey for conspiring to commit arson. They targeted properties linked to the Prime Minister.

The Russian embassy has rejected any attempt to associate Russia or its foreign ministry with unlawful activities. They stated that Russia poses no threat to the United Kingdom and harbors no aggressive intentions towards Britain.

Lyukshin did not respond to the BBC's questions. However, a propaganda channel that had been challenged by the BBC reportedly disappeared hours after they contacted him.

The investigation highlights a sophisticated and covert operation aimed at destabilizing the UK by targeting its leadership and exacerbating societal divisions through online manipulation and direct acts of vandalism. The use of social media platforms to organize and spread disinformation appears central to this strategy.