A major investigation uncovers a sophisticated network with links to top Sudanese military officials, leading to arrests and the seizure of military-grade ammunition and financial proceeds.
ABU DHABI – The UAE will put a group of suspects on trial after its security forces foiled a significant attempt to illegally smuggle weapons and military equipment to Sudan, authorities announced.
The operation, which led to the arrest of a smuggling cell, was carried out under judicial warrants and the supervision of the State Security Prosecution. The suspects are now expected to be referred to court.
The breakthrough came when authorities intercepted a large cache of military-grade Goryunov-type ammunition inside a private aircraft at a UAE airport. A portion of the financial proceeds from the deal was also seized from two of the accused.
The investigation revealed a complex network involved in illicit weapons trafficking and money laundering. Cell members were found to have engaged in covert brokerage and mediation, collecting secret commissions through hidden channels.
Authorities uncovered that the cell was transacting with high-level Sudanese military authorities, including officers, officials, and businessmen. Notably, the investigation linked the transactions to the Sudanese Armed Forces’ Armament Committee, chaired by General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, and coordinated by Othman Al-Zubair of the Port Sudan Authority.
Substantial evidence, including audio and video recordings, communications, contracts, and financial records, was gathered. Technical reports confirmed that part of the funding for the arms deal was channeled through a bank operating within the UAE.
The Public Prosecution stated that the investigation is ongoing and additional names may be announced at a later stage.
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