Two Russian men have been jailed in Angola for terrorism and spying after being found guilty of planning a coup and organizing deadly demonstrations. Lev Lakshtanov and Igor Ratchin received sentences of eight and 11 years respectively for their involvement in the July 2025 fuel price hike protests that turned violent, leaving 22 dead and over 1,600 arrested.
Court Ruling and Charges
The Angolan court convicted the men of terrorism and espionage, accusing them of trying to influence next year’s presidential elections. Prosecutors claimed they aimed to fund Angola’s main opposition party, UNITA, or force a leadership change within the ruling MPLA. The defendants maintained their innocence, stating they were in Angola for cultural and business activities.
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Connection to Russian Disinformation Networks
Prosecutors linked Lakshtanov and Ratchin to Africa Politology, a Russian disinformation network that emerged from the Wagner mercenary group. After Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin died in 2023, the network was taken over by Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR). Wagner was later rebranded as Africa Corps and absorbed into Russia’s military.
| Defendant | Sentence | Charges |
|---|---|---|
| Lev Lakshtanov | 8 years | Terrorism, Spying |
| Igor Ratchin | 11 years | Terrorism, Spying |
Background: Fuel Price Protests and Violence
The July 2025 minibus taxi strike over fuel price hikes escalated into riots and looting. Angola’s security forces used live ammunition, drawing accusations of excessive force from Human Rights Watch. The government defended its actions as “progressive.” The unrest provided the backdrop for the alleged coup plot.
Angola’s Historical Ties with Russia
Angola, an oil-dependent economy, has long-standing ties with Russia. During the 1975-2002 civil war, the Soviet Union and Cuba supported the MPLA, while the US and apartheid South Africa backed UNITA. This history shapes current geopolitical dynamics.
Key Takeaways
- Two Russian nationals sentenced for terrorism and espionage in Angola.
- Charges relate to a coup plot and organizing deadly protests over fuel prices.
- Links to Russia’s Africa Politology disinformation network and former Wagner group.
- Human rights groups criticized Angola’s use of force during protests.
- The case underscores Russia’s continuing influence in African political affairs.
FAQ
Why were the Russian men jailed in Angola?
They were convicted of terrorism and spying for planning a coup and organizing violent demonstrations that led to 22 deaths.
What is Africa Politology?
It is a Russian disinformation network linked to the former Wagner mercenary group, now controlled by Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service.
How did the fuel protests connect to the espionage case?
The protests over fuel price hikes were allegedly exploited by the Russian men to foment unrest and advance a coup plot against Angola’s government.
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