A court in Luanda has convicted two Russian nationals of terrorism and espionage, handing down lengthy prison terms in a case prosecutors say was linked to a covert political influence operation ahead of Angola’s presidential election next year.
Political consultant Igor Ratchin was sentenced to 11 years in prison while translator Lev Lakshtanov received eight years.
The pair were arrested last August after authorities accused them of helping to stir anti‑government protests, running a disinformation campaign and attempting to meddle in the 2027 presidential race.
Both men had denied the charges.
Prosecutors alleged the two were working with Africa Politology, described by Angolan authorities as a Russian political network that emerged from the remnants of the Wagner mercenary group.
The organisation was accused of pushing anti‑Western narratives, cultivating political contacts and seeking to shape Angola’s political environment ahead of the vote.
Ratchin and Lakshtanov denied any link to Wagner or the Russian state, saying they were in Luanda to develop plans for a Russian cultural centre.
Their lawyers had asked for their extradition to Russia under bilateral agreements although it remains unclear whether the court approved the request.
JN/APA