Angola Convicts Two Russians of Terrorism and Spying in First-Ever Prosecution Tied to SVR's Africa Network

An Angolan court sentenced political consultant Igor Ratchin to 11 years and translator Lev Lakshtanov to 8 years for terrorism and spying. Prosecutors tied both to Africa Politology, a Russian influence network moved under SVR control after Wagner chief Prigozhin's 2023 death. This is the first known African prosecution of individuals linked to that network. The men denied the charges.