Two Russian men jailed in Angola for terrorism and spying

Two Russian men, Lev Lakshtanov and Igor Ratchin, have been convicted in an Angolan court of terrorism and spying. They were sentenced to eight and 11 years in prison, respectively, for allegedly planning a coup and organizing deadly demonstrations over fuel prices in July 2025. Prosecutors claimed the men aimed to influence upcoming presidential elections by funding opposition parties or forcing leadership changes within the ruling party, and that they were linked to a Russian disinformation network connected to the Wagner group. The men denied the charges, stating they were in Angola for cultural and business activities. Two Angolan nationals were also tried, with one receiving a suspended sentence and the other acquitted. Both the convicted Russians and prosecutors have appealed their sentences.

Two Russian nationals, identified as a political consultant and a translator, have been sentenced to jail in Angola. Prosecutors alleged they played a role in organizing deadly unrest in 2025 by paying over $24,000 to local journalists and experts to spread pro-Russian and anti-government content. Evidence presented included publications, notes, and photographs related to the protests found on the defendants' devices, as well as alleged contacts with senior Angolan political figures. The defendants denied the allegations, stating their meetings with political figures were private and not connected to illegal activity. They also claimed their actions were for legitimate business and academic purposes. The court rejected a defense request to call politicians as witnesses, deeming their testimony unnecessary.