Russians Convicted of Terrorism and Spying in Angola’s Luanda Court
A Luanda court has convicted two Russian nationals of terrorism, espionage and political influence. Politician Igor Ratchin received an 11‑year sentence, while translator Lev Lakshtanov was sentenced to eight years. The defendants denied the charges.
The men were arrested in August over accusations of stirring anti‑government protests, disseminating disinformation and attempting to meddle in Angola's 2025 presidential election. Prosecutors linked them to “Africa Politology,” a network said to have emerged from the now‑defunct Wagner mercenaries.
Officials alleged the pair aimed to spread anti‑Western narratives, form political contacts and influence Angola’s domestic politics ahead of the election. The Russians claimed they were merely planning a Russian cultural centre in Luanda.
Two Angolan co‑defendants—sports journalist Amor Carlos Tomé and activist Francisco Oliveira—also faced similar charges. Tomé received a two‑year suspended sentence; Oliveira was acquitted. Tomé remains in custody pending appeal.
The case highlights rising concerns over foreign interference in African politics, with several Latvia‑linked, Wagner‑affiliated operatives active across Central Africa, Mali and Madagascar. It fuels debate over the integrity of Angola’s upcoming electoral process.
The justice system’s refusal to read the indictment aloud in court sparked controversy, and prosecutors’ allegations remain largely unverified by independent evidence.
The court’s decision is expected to prompt diplomatic inquiries, as the Russian embassy in Angola remains silent while the defense lawyer acknowledges the verdict yet disagrees with the underlying accusations.
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