Angola's spy case against two Russians ended with prison terms this week after a court in Luanda found them guilty of terrorism and spying. Political consultant Igor Ratchin received an 11-year sentence, while translator Lev Lakshtanov was sentenced to eight years, according to the ruling. Both men denied the charges.
The case centered on allegations that the pair were part of an influence operation aimed at stirring unrest and shaping politics in Angola. Prosecutors said they were arrested last August over claims that they helped fuel anti-government protests, spread disinformation and tried to interfere in next year’s presidential election. The court also found them guilty on four of 11 charges, including criminal association, espionage, terrorism and illegal retention of currency.
Prosecutors told the court that the men were tied to a network called Africa Politology, which Angolan authorities described as a Russian political operation linked to the now-defunct Wagner mercenary group. They alleged the effort was designed to push anti-Western messages, build political contacts and influence the country ahead of the presidential vote. The defendants rejected that account and said they had no link to Wagner or to the Russian state, insisting they were working on plans for a Russian cultural center in Luanda.
The Russian embassy in Angola had not responded to a request for comment at the time of publication. The lawyer for Ratchin and Lakshtanov, Elizeu Nguiniti, said he would not comment on the ruling. After the verdict was read out late Tuesday, he told the court that he disagreed with the outcome but accepted the court's decision.
Two Angolans were tried alongside them on related allegations. Sports journalist Amor Carlos Tomé received a two-year suspended sentence, while political activist Francisco Oliveira was acquitted. Prosecutors immediately appealed after the judgment was delivered, and Tomé is expected to remain in custody while that appeal is heard.
