Two Russians jailed in Angola for terrorism and espionage
An Angolan court has sentenced two Russian nationals to prison after finding them guilty of terrorism, espionage and other offences linked to an alleged political influence operation in the southern African country.
The ruling, delivered in Luanda on Tuesday night, saw political consultant Igor Ratchin handed an 11-year prison sentence, while translator Lev Lakshtanov received eight years. Both men had denied wrongdoing throughout the trial.
Authorities accused the pair of working through a network known as Africa Politology, which prosecutors claimed had ties to the Wagner mercenary group and sought to shape political developments in Angola ahead of the country’s next presidential election.
According to prosecutors, the operation involved efforts to spread disinformation, build political connections and promote narratives aimed at influencing public opinion. Investigators also alleged the group financed media content and activities linked to anti-government protests that turned deadly in 2025.
The two Russians maintained that their presence in Angola was connected to plans to establish a Russian cultural centre and denied any links to Wagner or the Russian government.
The case also involved two Angolans accused of participating in the alleged operation. Political activist Francisco Oliveira was acquitted, while sports journalist Amor Carlos Tomé received a two-year suspended sentence. Prosecutors immediately appealed the decision relating to Tomé, meaning he is expected to remain in custody pending the outcome.
The trial attracted significant attention after defence lawyers challenged both the evidence and the handling of the proceedings, arguing that several allegations were based on assumptions rather than concrete proof.
Lawyers for the Russians had earlier sought their extradition to Russia, although it remains unclear whether the court approved that request.
The convictions come as several African countries continue to scrutinise foreign political influence campaigns, particularly those linked to Russian networks that have expanded their activities across parts of the continent in recent years.
Source: BBC
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