In brief
A Luanda court handed down prison sentences to a Russian political consultant and a translator, accusing them of terrorism, espionage and attempts to disrupt Angola’s upcoming presidential election. Igor Ratchin received 11 years while Lev Lakshtanov was sentenced to eight. The prosecution linked the pair to a Russian influence operation called Africa Politology, purportedly tied to the Wagner Group. Two Angolans were also tried; one was acquitted and the other received a suspended sentence. Both Russian defendants and their legal team contested the indictment’s evidence and the court’s decision.
Two Russians have been found guilty of terrorism and espionage by a court in Angola's capital, Luanda.
Political consultant Igor Ratchin was sentenced to 11 years in prison and translator Lev Lakshtanov received eight years, despite both denying the accusations.
The pair were arrested last August on charges of inciting anti-government protests, spreading disinformation and attempting to influence next year’s presidential election.
In the indictment, Angolan authorities alleged that Ratchin and Lakshtanov were part of Africa Politology, a Russian political network that emerged from the now-defunct Wagner mercenary group. Prosecutors claimed the organization aimed to spread anti-West narratives and manipulate Angola’s politics ahead of elections.
Ratchin and Lakshtanov denied any links to Wagner or the Russian state, stating they were working on a Russian cultural centre in Luanda and had no involvement in terrorist activities.
Two Angolans were also tried for their alleged roles in the operation. Sports journalist Amor Carlos Tomé received a two-year suspended sentence, while political activist Francisco Oliveira was acquitted.
The defence lawyers sought extradition to Russia, but the court’s decision on this request is unclear. Lawyers and Russian diplomats have opposed the verdict, arguing that the indictment relied on assumptions and contained factual errors.
Additional reports note that the indictment was criticized for misspellings and inaccuracies, and for refusing to read the charges aloud during early hearings. The court eventually read the guilty verdict at 23:00 local time, with prosecution appealing the decision immediately after.
For further coverage on Russia’s influence in Africa, see our comprehensive pieces on Africa Politology and Wagner’s African operations.
