Maxim Shugalei, a Russian operative with ties to the Wagner Group, was recently arrested in Chad, sparking widespread attention. He and two associates, Samer Sueifan and E Tsaryov, were detained in September under unclear circumstances. They were later released and returned to Russia earlier this month, as reported by the Russian embassy.
Shugalei, who often presents himself as a “sociologist,” is actually a key figure in Russia’s influence operations, particularly in Africa. His activities have earned him EU sanctions since 2023, mainly due to his involvement in disinformation campaigns that promoted the Wagner Group in African nations. He is also subject to Ukrainian sanctions.
His affiliation with Yevgeny Prigozhin, the late leader of the Wagner Group, dates back to at least 2010. Shugalei’s notable public moment came when he was arrested in Libya for allegedly spying and meddling in elections, an operation linked to Prigozhin’s support for the Gaddafi family.
Shugalei’s role in shaping Russia’s presence in Africa has been significant. He worked alongside Prigozhin’s mercenary group to influence political outcomes in countries like Libya and Madagascar. In 2018, he was involved in offering bribes to presidential candidates in Madagascar, according to a BBC investigation.
Despite his covert role, Shugalei gained some fame through a series of action films that depicted him as a heroic figure, playing up his role in African geopolitics. These films, which were believed to be supported by Prigozhin, painted Shugalei as a resilient and nearly invincible figure.
Although he initially denied his connection to Wagner, Shugalei has since acknowledged his ties, particularly following Prigozhin’s death. His social media activity, including posts on Telegram, reveals continued links to Wagner and its activities. However, the full extent of his influence in Africa remains unclear, with his activities largely operating in the shadows.
Shugalei’s arrest in Chad remains shrouded in mystery. While Russian media suggested that France may have been behind the detention, experts, including Beverly Ochieng, a senior analyst at Control Risks, deem this unlikely. Chad, while maintaining strong ties to France, has also strengthened its relations with Russia in recent years. The country’s leadership, under President Mahamat Déby, has engaged with Russian representatives, and Shugalei himself had been involved in discussions prior to Chad’s presidential election.
One theory is that Shugalei’s arrest could be linked to his role in destabilizing African nations through disinformation, as his foundation has been linked to spreading pro-Russian propaganda across various platforms, including TV and social media outlets. These efforts are aimed at advancing Russia’s interests, particularly in countries where Western influence is traditionally strong.
Analysts note that while Shugalei may continue to operate as a covert agent of Russian influence, his arrest in Chad and subsequent release suggest that his activities may be facing increasing scrutiny. BBC reports that, despite his controversial past, Shugalei retains significant ties within Russia’s shadowy political and military apparatus.
