Two Russian men jailed in Angola for terrorism and spying

Russian Nationals Receive Prison Terms in Angola Over Alleged Coup Plot and Espionage

Wanderstayfinder.com – An Angolan judicial body has delivered guilty verdicts against two Russian citizens, Lev Lakshtanov and Igor Ratchin, who faced accusations of terrorism and espionage. The pair reportedly conspired to overthrow the government and assisted in coordinating violent protests across the southern African nation during the previous year.

Verdict and Sentencing Details

Lakshtanov received an eight-year prison term, while Ratchin was handed eleven years behind bars. Both defendants maintained their innocence throughout proceedings, asserting that their presence in Angola served cultural and commercial purposes rather than political ones.

The July 2025 Unrest

Between July 28 and 30, 2025, widespread disturbances erupted following a minibus taxi strike triggered by increased fuel costs. Official statistics indicate that twenty-two individuals lost their lives and over one thousand six hundred people were detained during the chaos. Security personnel faced criticism for employing live ammunition against demonstrators, though authorities defended their “progressive” approach to managing the situation. Prior to these events, Human Rights Watch documented what it described as “excessive force” when Angolan officers deployed rubber bullets and teargas against a peaceful gathering on July 12, 2025, which opposed escalating fuel prices.

Alleged Political Motives

According to Angolan prosecutors, the Russian nationals sought to shape upcoming presidential elections through multiple strategies. These included providing financial support to UNITA, the National Union for the Total Independence of Angola, which represents the country’s largest opposition movement. Additionally, prosecutors alleged the men aimed to trigger leadership transitions within the MPLA, the Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola, which has governed since Angola gained independence from Portugal in 1975.

Connections to Russian Intelligence Networks

Prosecutors further established ties between the defendants and Africa Politology, a disinformation and propaganda organization originating from the Wagner mercenary group. Media investigations, including work by Forbidden Stories, revealed that Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) assumed control of Africa Politology following the death of Wagner leader Yevgeny Prigozhin in 2023. Wagner subsequently rebranded as Africa Corps and became integrated into Russia’s military apparatus.

Historical and Contemporary Ties

Angola’s economy relies heavily on oil exports, and the nation has maintained longstanding connections with Russia. During the civil war spanning 1975 to 2002, the Soviet Union and Cuba backed the MPLA, whereas the United States and apartheid-era South Africa supported opposing factions including UNITA. President João Lourenço, who assumed office in 2017, has strengthened relationships with Western nations. Meanwhile, Russia has expanded its African footprint considerably over the past decade. Wagner and later Africa Corps have guarded Central African Republic President Faustin-Archange Touadéra since 2017. Russian forces entered Mali in 2021 to assist a military junta, while Africa Corps supports regimes in Niger and Burkina Faso.

Broader Russian Presence in Africa

A United States Congressional report indicates that Russian troops have been stationed in Equatorial Guinea, Libya, and Sudan since 2023. Madagascar’s President Michael Randrianirina, who seized power through a coup in October 2025, has also deepened bilateral relations with Moscow. Russian personnel now serve in Madagascar’s presidential guard, and a weekly television program examining Madagascar-Russia connections premiered earlier this month.

Co-Accused and Appeals

Two Angolan citizens stood trial alongside the Russians. Sports journalist Carlos Tomé was given a two-year suspended sentence, while Francisco de Oliveira, secretary-general of UNITA’s youth division, was found not guilty. Prosecutors challenged both Angolan outcomes, as reported by the Portuguese news agency Lusa. Lakshtanov and Ratchin have filed appeals against their convictions as well. According to Lusa, they will continue holding in detention pending resolution of their appeals. Russia’s embassy in Angola has yet to provide a statement regarding the case. Agence France-Press contributed reporting to this article.