Angola court jails two Russian men on terrorism and spying charges

An Angolan court has convicted two Russian nationals of terrorism and espionage over an alleged effort to destabilise the country, sentencing Lev Lakshtanov to eight years in prison and Igor Ratchin to 11 years.

Both men denied the charges and said they were in Angola for cultural and business activities. They have appealed and will remain in detention while the appeals are considered, according to the Portuguese news agency Lusa as cited by the source report.

Prosecutors accused the men of planning a coup, helping organise demonstrations that turned deadly during a minibus taxi strike from 28 to 30 July 2025, and seeking to influence Angola’s next presidential election. Official figures said 22 people died and more than 1,600 were arrested during unrest linked to fuel-price increases.

The prosecution also alleged links to Africa Politology, described in reporting as a Russian influence network that emerged from the Wagner mercenary organisation. These claims were contested by the defendants and remain subject to appeal.

Two Angolan defendants were tried alongside the Russians. Sports journalist Carlos Tomé received a two-year suspended sentence, while Francisco de Oliveira, secretary-general of the youth wing of the opposition UNITA party, was acquitted. Prosecutors have appealed those outcomes.

The case comes as Angola, historically close to Moscow, has strengthened relations with the United States and Europe under President João Lourenço.