An Angolan court has convicted two Russian nationals, Lev Lakshtanov and Igor Ratchin, on terrorism and espionage charges over an alleged plot to stage a coup and incite deadly demonstrations in the country last year.
Lakshtanov was sentenced to eight years in prison, while Ratchin received an 11-year jail term. Both men denied the allegations, insisting they were in Angola for cultural and business engagements.
The convictions stem from investigations into violent protests that erupted between July 28 and 30, 2025, when a nationwide minibus taxi strike over fuel price increases escalated into riots and looting. According to official figures, 22 people were killed and more than 1,600 individuals were arrested during the unrest.
Authorities accused the pair of attempting to influence Angola’s 2027 presidential election by allegedly funding the opposition National Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA) or seeking to force leadership changes within the ruling Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA).
Prosecutors further alleged that the two men had links to Africa Politology, a Russian disinformation network reportedly connected to the Wagner mercenary group before being taken over by Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR) following the death of Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin in 2023.
Angola’s security forces faced criticism during the 2025 protests over allegations of using excessive force against demonstrators, including live ammunition, rubber bullets, and tear gas. While the government defended its actions as a justified response to the violence, human rights groups condemned the crackdown.
The case comes as Russia continues expanding its influence across Africa through military, political, and security partnerships in countries including the Central African Republic, Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, Libya, Sudan, and Equatorial Guinea.
Two Angolans were also tried alongside the Russians. Sports journalist Carlos Tomé received a two-year suspended sentence, while Francisco de Oliveira, secretary-general of UNITA’s youth wing, was acquitted. Prosecutors have appealed both decisions.
Lakshtanov and Ratchin have also appealed their convictions but will remain in custody while the appeals process continues. Russia’s embassy in Angola had not issued an official response at the time of reporting.
