In a dramatic courtroom development, two Russian men have been dealt severe prison sentences in Angola, found guilty of terrorism and spying. This stunning verdict sees Lev Lakshtanov sentenced to eight years and Igor Ratchin to an even longer eleven years behind bars, a decision that underscores the gravity of the accusations leveled against them. The conviction of these **Russian men jailed** sends a clear message regarding foreign influence within the nation’s borders.
Angolan prosecutors contend these individuals were not mere tourists or business visitors, but rather key orchestrators in a complex plot. They stand accused of planning a coup and actively inciting deadly demonstrations that rocked the southern African nation last year, a period marked by profound civil unrest. Both Lakshtanov and Ratchin have steadfastly maintained their innocence, asserting their presence in Angola was purely for cultural and commercial endeavors.
The Allegations: Coup Plots and Deadly Protests
The convictions stem from a turbulent period in July 2025 when a minibus taxi strike, initially sparked by steep fuel price hikes, escalated into widespread riots and rampant looting. Official figures painted a grim picture: 22 lives lost and over 1,600 arrests made as the situation spiraled out of control. Angolan security forces faced heavy criticism for their response, with allegations of using live ammunition against protesters. The government, however, defended its actions, characterizing its deployment of force as “progressive” and justified. Rights groups like Human Rights Watch have previously documented concerning instances, detailing reports of excessive force by Angolan police during earlier peaceful demonstrations against rising fuel costs.
Prosecutors laid out a formidable case, asserting that Lakshtanov and Ratchin harbored ambitions to manipulate Angola’s upcoming presidential elections. Their alleged tactics included channeling funds to UNITA, Angola’s principal opposition party, or even attempting to force a leadership change within the ruling MPLA, a party that has governed since the nation’s 1975 independence from Portugal. Further tying into the narrative of clandestine operations, the prosecution claimed the Russian men were linked to Africa Politology, a Russian disinformation and propaganda apparatus believed to have originated from the notorious Wagner mercenary group.
Following the demise of Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin in 2023, Africa Politology was reportedly absorbed by Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR). Wagner itself underwent a rebrand, emerging as Africa Corps and becoming integrated into Russia’s broader military structure. This background adds a layer of international intrigue to the Angolan court’s ruling.
Broader Context: Russia’s Expanding Influence and Russian Men Jailed in Africa
Angola and Russia share a complex history, marked by close ties during the Cold War when the Soviet Union supported the MPLA against US-backed factions. While Angolan President João Lourenço has worked to strengthen relations with the US and Europe since taking office in 2017, Russia’s footprint across Africa has undeniably grown over the past decade. The Wagner Group, and subsequently Africa Corps, have provided security to various African leaders, including the Central African Republic’s Faustin-Archange Touadéra since 2017. Russian forces have also deployed to Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, Libya, and Sudan, according to a recent US Congress report.
In a related development, Madagascar’s president, Michael Randrianirina, who seized power in an October 2025 coup, has also deepened ties with Russia, integrating Russian personnel into his presidential guard and even launching a national television program focused on Madagascar-Russia relations. This burgeoning influence campaign across the continent casts a long shadow over the fate of the **Russian men jailed** in Luanda, highlighting a delicate balance of power and sovereignty.
Two Angolan citizens were also implicated in the same trial. Sports journalist Carlos Tomé received a two-year suspended sentence, while Francisco de Oliveira, the secretary-general of UNITA’s youth wing, was acquitted. Prosecutors have since lodged appeals against these lighter sentences, as reported by Portuguese news agency Lusa. Both Lakshtanov and Ratchin have likewise appealed their convictions, though they are set to remain in detention throughout the appeals process. Russia’s embassy in Angola has yet to issue a public statement regarding the matter. Agence France-Press contributed to this report.
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