UAE: No tolerance for illicit activity, conflict transit, or arms smugglers seeking sanctuary
Abu Dhabi: A State Security Prosecution official told the Emirates News Agency (WAM) that the prosecution has finished looking into the matter of a military equipment transfer attempt to the Port Sudan Authority via UAE territory. In keeping with the UAE’s dedication to justice and openness, the accused are anticipated to be referred to trial.
On April 30, the Attorney-General of the United Arab Emirates declared that the nation’s security forces had apprehended members of a cell engaged in the unlawful trafficking of military equipment and money laundering, as well as thwarted an attempt to smuggle guns and military equipment to the Port Sudan Authority. They engaged in mediation, covert broking, and the secret collecting of commissions. While examining a sizable amount of military-grade Goryunov-type ammunition (54.7 x 62mm) onboard a private aircraft at one of the nation’s airports, the accused were taken into custody. Part of the money from the transaction that two of the defendants had in their possession was confiscated by the authorities.
The Public Prosecution oversaw the operation, which was carried out in accordance with court orders from the Attorney General permitting the search and arrest. Investigations showed that cell members were involved in transactions with Sudanese military authorities, including officers, officials, politicians, and businessmen, as well as with people and businesses that were identified by Interpol and on US sanctions lists. According to the study, Othman Al-Zubair, the finance official of the Port Sudan Authority, oversaw these transactions at the request of the Sudanese Armed Forces’ Armament Committee, which was led by Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan and his deputy Yasser Al-Atta. More names will be revealed later, according to Public Prosecution.
The official added that the inquiry revealed an unexpected fact about the sources of finance for the military equipment transactions connected to the Port Sudan Authority. Significant proof of audio and video recordings, communications between cell members, and transaction-related documents, such as contracts, financial records, and statements detailing the implementation process and money transfer, were all included in the findings. Technical committee reports also disclosed that a UAE-based bank handled a portion of the financing.
