Avoiding danger, dodging explosions, and protecting classified information.
In bombastic propaganda movies, Maxim Shugalei, a mysterious Russian political operative, is portrayed as a hero who will do whatever it takes to promote his country internationally.
While his exploits may be exaggerated, in reality, he has played a significant role in Russia’s influence expansion in parts of Africa, collaborating with the Wagner Group of Russian mercenaries.
However, this self-proclaimed iron man recently faced a setback when he was arrested in Chad, Africa.
He, along with other Russian operatives, Samer Sueifan and E Tsaryov, were apprehended in September on unspecified charges, but were released and sent back home earlier this month, as reported by the Russian embassy.
The Identity of Maxim Shugalei
Although Shugalei presents himself as a „sociologist,“ analysts believe he is actually a spin doctor and a Russian influence agent noted for his activities in Africa.
Since 2023, he has been under EU sanctions for orchestrating misinformation campaigns to boost the Wagner Group in various African nations, and is also sanctioned by Ukraine.
Dating back to 2010, Shugalei has been linked to the late Russian businessman Yevgeny Prigozhin, the Wagner leader and a close ally of President Vladimir Putin.
Although Shugalei previously denied these connections, he gained public attention for his work and subsequent arrest in Libya for espionage and election interference on behalf of Prigozhin.
Prigozhin had tasked Shugalei with gathering intel and devising a plan to support Seif al-Islam Gaddafi, the son of former leader Muammar Gaddafi.
Upon returning to Russia, Prigozhin disclosed that he had given Shugalei 18 million rubles ($173,000) – 1 million rubles for each month of his captivity.
It is difficult to gauge the extent of Shugalei’s influence [Getty Images]
Shugalei’s exploits in Libya served as the inspiration for a trilogy of action TV films, apparently funded by Prigozhin.
They were created to glorify Khalifa Haftar’s regime in eastern Libya and to cover up Russia’s activities in Africa.
Kirill Polukhin played the role of Shugalei in the films, portraying him as a tough and capable figure similar to James Bond or a Mission Impossible character, according to Ladd Serwat, an Africa Regional Specialist at Acled.
An online fan page incorrectly claims that „Shugalei“ has become an Arabic term for a strong and unbreakable man.
While Shugalei has been involved in expanding Russia’s influence in Africa, his real-life activities have been quite extraordinary.
In 2018, he was implicated in a scandal where Russian operatives were caught offering bribes to presidential candidates in Madagascar.
Before his overseas endeavors, Shugalei’s only known public incident as a political consultant was during the 2002 St. Petersburg parliament elections.
In a mysterious turn of events, Shugalei devoured documents during an electoral commission meeting to prevent them from being submitted to court.
What is Shugalei’s Influence?
As head of the Foundation for the Protection of National Values under Prigozhin, Shugalei worked to support Wagner’s cause and promote Russian interests in Africa.
Unofficially, he operated in various African countries to ensure pro-Wagner regimes stayed in power as part of Russia’s strategy to gain influence on the continent.
Despite the demise of Yevgeny Prigozhin, Shugalei still seems to wield significant influence, according to Beverly Ochieng, a senior analyst covering Francophone Africa for Control Risks.
He no longer hides his ties to Wagner and Prigozhin and continues to share information related to Wagner’s activities.
However, the full extent of his current activities remains largely unknown.
Wagner bodyguards were seen with the President of the Central African Republic, Touadéra, during the 2020 election campaign [Getty Images]
Why was Shugalei Arrested in Chad?
Chad has not provided an official reason for Shugalei’s arrest and that of his associates.
Various theories exist regarding the motive behind the arrest, with some suggesting French involvement, though this is likely a cover-up, according to Ms. Ochieng.
Russia has been pushing a narrative that the West’s influence in Chad is declining, despite the country’s continued relations with France.
Chad has recently signed agreements with Russia but still hosts French troops and maintains good ties with its former colonial power.
There is no evidence of Russian military presence in Chad, and some believe President Mahamat Déby is skillfully balancing relations with Russia and the West for Chad’s benefit.
Wagner fighters allegedly entered Chad from the Central African Republic, clashing with local forces before withdrawing.
If Russia gains influence over Chad, it would significantly expand its sphere of control in West Africa.
Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, and the Central African Republic already have strong ties with Russia [BBC]
Shugalei had visited Chad twice before and had discussions with Déby’s campaign team prior to the presidential elections in May.