Russia’s efforts to expand its influence in Africa have hit a setback with the arrest of Maxim Shugalei, a self-described sociologist and prominent propagandist.
Known for his close ties to the Wagner Group, Shugalei was detained in Chad along with two other Russian operatives, according to Digi24.
The arrest has forced Shugalei to return to Russia, ending what appears to be a failed mission to deepen Moscow’s foothold in the region.
Shugalei’s work in Africa has been controversial.
Analysts describe him as an agent working to promote Russia’s interests through propaganda and political manipulation.
He has been sanctioned by the European Union and Ukraine for his role in disinformation campaigns aimed at bolstering the Wagner Group’s operations in multiple African nations.
Despite his claims of being a sociologist, Shugalei is closely linked to Yevgeny Prigozhin, the Wagner Group’s late founder and former ally of Vladimir Putin.
In the past, Shugalei was accused of meddling in Libya’s political affairs.
He was arrested there on charges of espionage and interfering in elections to support Seif al-Islam Gaddafi, the son of former Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi.
Prigozhin later admitted to paying Shugalei 18 million rubles, or about $173,000, as compensation for his time in captivity.
Chad has not provided official reasons for Shugalei’s arrest, but experts believe it may be linked to alleged Wagner plots to destabilize the country.
U.S. intelligence previously revealed a Wagner-backed plan to assassinate Chadian President Mahamat Déby, although the plot reportedly failed.
Chad, while signing agreements with Russia, maintains strong ties to France and has resisted the Wagner Group’s infiltration attempts.
Shugalei’s story has even inspired a trilogy of propaganda films funded by Prigozhin.
In these movies, he is depicted as a heroic figure, likened to James Bond or Ethan Hunt. However, in real life, his reputation is tied more to clandestine operations and scandals than to heroism.
