Eight receive life terms in Abu Dhabi arms-smuggling case
Abu Dhabi's federal appeals tribunal has sentenced eight individuals to life imprisonment after finding them guilty of trafficking weapons and ammunition destined for Sudan's military.
Eight receive life terms in Abu Dhabi arms-smuggling case
Abu Dhabi's federal appeals tribunal has sentenced eight individuals to life imprisonment after finding them guilty of trafficking weapons and ammunition destined for Sudan's military, reports Radio Tamazuj.
Several co-accused received three-year jail sentences, whilst two were acquitted. Six firms were fined. The bench ruled that cash, munitions, mobile phones and communication equipment linked to the plot be confiscated. Upon completing their sentences, those found guilty will be deported from the state.
On 30 April, prosecutors referred thirteen suspects and six locally registered businesses to the State Security Court. The indictments covered unlicensed arms dealing, document fraud and money laundering.
Detectives identified two related operations. One agreement concerned the purchase of Kalashnikov assault rifles, automatic weapons and explosive devices. The paperwork claimed a cost of thirteen million dollars, yet investigators determined the merchandise was worth approximately ten million, with the surplus channelled as illicit bribes to facilitators. A second operation diverted over two million dollars from the initial sum to procure additional ammunition. A portion of this consignment reached the Emirates via a chartered aircraft whose manifests falsely declared the contents as humanitarian supplies or pharmaceuticals, with the intention of eventual transfer to Port Sudan.
Officials disclosed that the ring intended to carry out six additional shipments containing several million rounds for Goryunov automatic weapons, but intercepting the initial load prevented the subsequent operations.
During hearings, the prosecution presented banking documentation, wire transfers, email records, audio recordings and alleged confessions from certain detainees. Evidence showed the defendants concealed transactions behind shell companies and commercial cover stories.
The matter became public in April 2025, when the Emirates announced it had foiled an attempt to transfer military materiel to Port Sudan.
Source: Google News AE