Luanda: Two foreign citizens, allegedly of Russian nationality, were arrested in Luanda by the Criminal Investigation Service (SIC), on suspicion of committing the crimes of criminal association, document forgery, terrorism, and terrorist financing.
According to Angola Press News Agency, the arrests followed an investigation into three Russian citizens also previously arrested, which culminated in arrest warrants issued by the Public Prosecutor's Office. The individuals, identified as gor Racthin "gor," 38, and Lev Akshtanov "Lev," 64, are accused of recruiting and financing Russian nationals to produce propaganda materials and disseminate false information on social media, promote demonstrations, and commit looting.
The operations were carried out in coordination with the national directorates for Combating Corruption Crimes and the Operations Center, alongside other defense and security agencies. The investigation uncovered links between these individuals and international criminal organizations active in Africa. These organizations are reportedly involved in disinformation and propaganda campaigns targeting countries during pre-campaign phases or electoral processes, with the intent to disrupt legally established regimes.
The SIC's investigation determined the suspects' direct involvement in a criminal association with other detained nationals. The authorities seized various pieces of evidence during the operation, including computers, memory cards, external hard drives, flash drives, cell phones, SIM cards, documents, and receipts of financial transfers related to criminal activities.
Monetary amounts in US dollars, kwanzas, and rubles were also confiscated. The SIC is currently pursuing other identified suspects who allegedly received funds to finance demonstrations in Luanda and Benguela. Once formalities are completed, the detained individuals will face legal proceedings before the Public Prosecutor's Office, while further investigations continue.
