In brief
In Luanda, Angola, political consultant Igor Ratchin and translator Lev Lakshtanov were convicted of terrorism and espionage for allegedly orchestrating anti‑government protests and spreading anti‑Western propaganda linked to Russia’s Wagner‑affiliated network. They received 11‑year and 8‑year prison terms, while a sports journalist and political activist faced a suspended sentence and an acquittal, respectively. Angola’s court cited payments to local journalists, fabricated contacts with senior politicians and the spread of pro‑Russian rhetoric as evidence. The defendants denied ties to the Wagner group and claimed their work was cultural outreach. Angola’s prosecutors have appealed the verdicts, and the Russian embassy remains silent on the outcome.
In Luanda, Angola, authorities convicted political consultant Igor Ratchin and translator Lev Lakshtanov of terrorism and espionage.
Ratchin was handed an 11‑year sentence, while Lakshtanov received eight years, after a court found them guilty on four of eleven charges, including criminal association, espionage, terrorism and illegal retention of currency.
The case centers on a campaign dubbed "Africa Politology"—a Russian political network that emerged from the defunct Wagner mercenary group—allegedly stirring anti‑government protests, spreading anti‑Western narratives, and trying to influence Angola’s 2026 presidential election.
The two Russian defendants denied any connection to Wagner or the Russian state, insisting their work was aimed at establishing a cultural centre in Luanda. They also claimed that payments to local journalists were legitimate business costs.
Alongside the Russians, sports journalist Amor Carlos Tomé and political activist Francisco Oliveira faced similar charges for alleged involvement in the influence operation. Tomé received a two‑year suspended sentence; Oliveira was acquitted. Prosecutors now appeal the verdicts.
Angola’s court rejected a defence request to call high‑profile politicians as witnesses, stating their testimony would not clarify the case facts. The prosecution cited over $24,000 spent on pro‑Russian content intended to provoke political change in Angola.
Alexander Nguiniti, the lawyer for the Russian defendants, stated he would not comment on the decision but agreed to accept the court’s ruling. The Russian embassy in Angola did not respond to requests for comment.
The trial began in March 2025, with the verdict announced after 23:00 local time on Tuesday. Tanak, Galicia, and the broader Angolan community remain divided over the allegations of externally orchestrated unrest.
Read more on the broader context of Russia’s influence worldwide.
