In a significant counter-smuggling operation, the United Arab Emirates has intercepted an illegal attempt to transfer weapons and military-grade ammunition to the Sudanese Armed Forces. According to UAE Attorney-General Dr. Hamad Saif Al Shamsi, the covert deals were conducted with the full knowledge and approval of Sudanese military leadership, including General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and his deputy Yasser al-Atta.
Five Million Rounds Seized on Private Jet
UAE authorities arrested several suspects connected to illegal arms brokerage and mediation. The cell members were apprehended at an airport while inspecting a private jet carrying approximately 5 million rounds of 7.62 x 54.7 mm Giranov-type ammunition. In addition, part of the financial proceeds of the illicit deals was seized from hotel rooms of two suspects.
High-Level Sudanese Involvement Uncovered
The investigation has implicated several high-profile Sudanese figures, including:
- Former intelligence chief Salah Gosh
- A former Sudanese intelligence officer
- An advisor to Sudan’s former Minister of Finance
- A politician closely linked to al-Burhan and Yasser al-Atta
Authorities confirmed the arms transfer was facilitated through a company owned by a fugitive Sudanese individual using the Hawala Dar system. Transactions were disguised via forged commercial contracts claiming imports of sugar.
End-User Certificates and Profits Traced
The Sudanese Armed Forces Armament Committee, chaired by al-Burhan, reportedly assigned the deals directly to the cell through Ahmed Rabie Ahmed Al-Sayed, who was responsible for issuing end-user certificates. The deals generated $2.6 million in profit, portions of which were seized from Salah Gosh and Khalid Youssef Mokhtar Youssef, a former intelligence officer and Gosh’s aide.
Fake Documentation and Sanctioned Entities
Authorities recovered:
- Fake contracts and shipping documents
- Audio and digital communications among cell members
- Recordings proving coordination with Sudanese military operatives
The seized weapons shipment had originated from a foreign country and was misdeclared as medical supplies. Legal warrants allowed UAE’s Public Prosecution to inspect the jet, revealing the military cargo beneath.
Companies Linked to Sanctioned Sudanese-Ukrainian Businessman
Further investigations led to companies registered under a Sudanese-born businessman with Ukrainian citizenship. One of the companies, operating within the UAE, is listed under US sanctions. These firms were key in supplying weapons, grenades, drones, and ammunition to Sudan’s military, working closely with the accused cell.
National Security at Risk
Attorney-General Al Shamsi emphasized that the operation poses a direct threat to UAE’s national security. Turning UAE soil into a base for illegal arms trafficking during an ongoing civil conflict in Sudan constitutes a serious criminal offense.
The investigation further uncovered several companies owned by a Sudanese-born businessman with Ukrainian nationality, including one operating within the UAE. These firms helped supply the Sudanese army with weapons, ammunition, grenades, and drones, in coordination with the cell members and the Sudanese military’s financial officer. One of these companies is listed under US sanctions.
The ongoing investigation highlights that the group’s financial gains are directly tied to the continuation of internal conflict in Sudan.
The Attorney-General emphasised that this case represents a serious breach of national security, as it turns UAE territory into a platform for illicit arms trafficking intended for a country embroiled in civil conflict. It also constitutes criminal offences punishable by law.
He concluded by stating that the Public Prosecution is continuing its investigation in preparation for referring the suspects to an expedited trial, and the final results will be announced upon the investigation’s conclusion.
Next Steps
The Public Prosecution is preparing to refer the case to an expedited trial. Investigations are ongoing, and final outcomes will be shared with the public upon conclusion.
This high-stakes case underscores the geopolitical complexity surrounding Sudan’s civil war and the need for international vigilance against illicit arms trading networks.
