A judicial bombshell has exploded in Luanda, as an Angolan court delivered damning verdicts against two Russian nationals, sentencing them to extensive prison terms for grave charges. Lev Lakshtanov and Igor Ratchin now face eight and 11 years behind bars, respectively, after being convicted of Angola terrorism and espionage. This comes amidst allegations of a plot to destabilize the nation through orchestrating a coup and organizing deadly protests, a chilling act of Angola terrorism.
The duo vehemently denied the accusations, maintaining their presence in the southern African nation was purely for cultural exchange and legitimate business endeavors. However, prosecutors presented a compelling case, painting a grim picture of their alleged involvement in the turbulent events of last year. Specifically, the men were implicated in a volatile minibus taxi strike that spiraled into widespread riots and looting between July 28-30, 2025. Official figures report a devastating toll: 22 lives lost and over 1,600 arrests made during the unrest, sparked by steep fuel price hikes.
Controversy flared during these events, with Angola’s security forces drawing heavy criticism for their response. Accusations of firing live ammunition at protesters were widespread, though the government defended its actions, asserting a “progressive” and justified use of force. Human Rights Watch had previously documented instances of “excessive force,” including the deployment of rubber bullets and teargas against peaceful demonstrators protesting fuel prices earlier that month.
The Unfolding Saga of Angola Terrorism Allegations
The prosecution’s narrative deepened, suggesting Lakshtanov and Ratchin harbored ambitions to sway the upcoming presidential elections. Their alleged strategy included funneling funds to Angola’s largest opposition party, UNITA (National Union for the Total Independence of Angola), or even attempting to force a leadership overhaul within the ruling MPLA (Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola), the party that has governed Angola since its 1975 independence from Portugal. Furthermore, prosecutors painted a grim picture of foreign interference, linking the duo to a vast Russian disinformation and propaganda network that sought to manipulate Angola’s political landscape, escalating the charges of Angola terrorism.
This network, known as Africa Politology, reportedly emerged from the notorious Wagner mercenary group. Following the demise of Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin in 2023, Africa Politology was allegedly subsumed by Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR), according to various media investigations. Wagner itself underwent a significant transformation, rebranding as Africa Corps and becoming fully integrated into Russia’s military apparatus.
Angola, a nation heavily reliant on oil exports, historically shares deep ties with Russia. During the Cold War, the Soviet Union and Cuba championed the MPLA during Angola’s protracted civil war (1975-2002), while the U.S. and apartheid South Africa supported UNITA. Despite this historical alignment, current Angolan President João Lourenço has diligently worked to bolster relations with the United States and European powers since assuming office in 2017.
In recent years, Russia has dramatically expanded its footprint across the African continent. The Wagner Group, and its successor Africa Corps, have been instrumental in providing security services, notably to the Central African Republic’s President Faustin-Archange Touadéra since 2017. Their influence extends to Mali, where Wagner forces arrived in 2021 to back the military junta, and now Africa Corps supports military regimes in neighboring Niger and Burkina Faso. Russian troops have also been deployed in Equatorial Guinea, Libya, and Sudan since 2023, as detailed in a US Congress report.
Adding to this complex tapestry, Madagascar’s President Michael Randrianirina has also cultivated closer ties with Russia following a coup in October 2025. Russian personnel are reportedly embedded within his presidential guard, and a weekly program dedicated to Madagascar-Russia relations recently debuted on national television, underscoring the growing influence.
Alongside the Russian defendants, two Angolan citizens faced trial. Sports journalist Carlos Tomé received a two-year suspended prison sentence, while Francisco de Oliveira, secretary-general of UNITA’s youth wing, was acquitted. Prosecutors have lodged appeals against these lighter sentences, as reported by the Portuguese news agency Lusa. Lakshtanov and Ratchin have also appealed their convictions, but will remain incarcerated pending the outcome of their legal challenges. Russia’s embassy in Angola has yet to issue a public statement regarding the court’s decision.
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