Angola: SIC Arrests 5 People for Terrorism
The morning of Thursday, August 7, in Angola, was marked by a surgical operation by the SIC that resulted in the arrest of five individuals—two Russian nationals and three Angolans—accused of serious crimes such as criminal association, document forgery, terrorism, and terrorist financing.
Authorities believe the detainees were part of a sophisticated international network dedicated to producing and disseminating false propaganda on social media, with the aim of influencing electoral processes and fomenting political instability in African countries.
According to official information, this criminal structure was directly linked to organizations operating on the African continent, especially in nations that were in the pre-campaign or electoral campaign phase.
The modus operandi included recruiting and financing local citizens to create and disseminate manipulated content, promote unauthorized demonstrations, and encourage looting.
A Complex Web
According to a note released by the SIC, the investigation began with the arrest of three Angolan citizens, all implicated in carrying out illicit activities that included instigating the subversion of public order and manipulating digital information.
From these initial arrests, investigators followed leads that led to two alleged Russian citizens: Ígor Racthin, 38, and Lev Lakshtanov, 64. The operation, described as a "micro-operation" by the SIC itself, took place in Luanda and led to the seizure of a vast array of evidence.
Among the confiscated material were computers of various brands, memory cards, external hard drives, pen drives, several cell phones, SIM cards, documents and bank transfer receipts.
Significant amounts of US dollars, kwanzas, and rubles were also seized—all allegedly linked to the financing of criminal activities. Investigations revealed that the suspects maintained close ties to international criminal organizations operating in Africa.
These organizations specialize in creating disinformation strategies, using social media as their primary vehicle for influencing political processes. The ultimate goal, according to the authorities, would be to bring about changes in legitimately established regimes and disrupt public order.
The SIC emphasized that the network's activities were not limited to digital manipulation. There was also a concrete investment in financing demonstrations, particularly in the provinces of Luanda and Benguela. To this end, funds in dollars and kwanzas were distributed to intermediaries and organizers to ensure that the street actions had the desired reach and impact.
The Gear
The investigation revealed that the detainees possessed advanced knowledge of digital communication techniques, using online platforms to create false narratives, distort facts, and spread inflammatory messages.
These messages were often presented as "whistleblowers" or "privileged information," designed to attract public attention and create a climate of distrust toward institutions. The network operated with almost corporate rigor: roles were clearly divided between those who produced the content, those who disseminated it, and those who coordinated actions on the ground.
The funding, in turn, came from external sources, with transactions that crossed borders and involved multiple currencies, including Russian rubles. The SIC made it clear that the arrest of the two Russian citizens was just one step in a broader investigation. Other suspects have already been identified and are in the process of being located.
The authorities ensure that the investigations continue and that all evidence collected will be handed over to the Public Prosecutor's Office so that appropriate legal measures can be taken.
According to sources close to the case, the interrogation of the detainees should clarify details such as the organization's chain of command, the exact origin of the funds, and the involvement of external actors in planning the operations. International cooperation may be activated to monitor cross-border transactions and communications.
A Cross-Border Problem
The case highlights a phenomenon increasingly present in the African landscape: the infiltration of foreign-sponsored disinformation networks with clear political objectives.
Experts interviewed by this newspaper emphasize that digital manipulation is today one of the most widely used weapons to influence public opinion and create instability, especially in countries facing electoral processes.
The ease with which fake content can be created and distributed, combined with the speed of social media, makes combating this type of threat difficult. Angolan authorities, like others on the continent, have been strengthening digital control and surveillance mechanisms, but recognize that this is a constant race against rapidly evolving methods.
Conclusion
The arrest of Ígor Racthin and Lev Lakshtanov, along with three Angolan citizens, represents a significant step forward in the fight against terrorism and information manipulation in Angola. However, this is just one chapter in a broader story, involving international interests and sophisticated strategies to influence the political direction of African countries.
The SIC reaffirms its commitment to continue the investigation until the network is completely dismantled and all those involved are brought to justice. In a world where information is power, defending truth and national stability becomes a constant challenge, requiring firm action, international cooperation, and constant vigilance.
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Picture: © 2018 DR
