Introduction Of Illegal
Abu Dhabi | December 31, 2023 — UAE authorities have intercepted a major illegal weapons transfer involving five million rounds of ammunition, halting what officials described as a covert arms smuggling operation coordinated with high-ranking members of the Sudanese Armed Forces.
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The operation was uncovered when a private jet, arriving at a UAE airport and declared as carrying medical supplies, was found to be loaded with ammunition. Security forces discovered approximately five million rounds of 7.62 x 54.7 mm Giranov-type ammunition, and arrested suspects on the tarmac and later at local hotels, where large sums of cash linked to the deal were also recovered.
The investigation, led by UAE’s Attorney-General Dr. Hamad Saif Al Shamsi, revealed the involvement of a criminal cell engaged in unlicensed arms brokering, mediation, and trading. The group had no authorization from UAE authorities and was found to be working under direct orders from Sudan’s military leadership.
According to officials, this covert weapons transaction was orchestrated with the full knowledge and approval of the Sudanese Armed Forces Armament Committee, chaired by Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and Yasser al-Atta. The deals were allegedly facilitated by Ahmed Rabie Ahmed Al-Sayed, a political figure closely tied to Sudan’s military elite, who handled official documentation such as end-user certificates.
The UAE says the illegal trade involved Kalashnikov rifles, machine guns, grenades, and other military hardware worth millions of dollars. Financial transactions were routed through a company owned by a fugitive Sudanese cell member, using informal Hawala networks disguised as sugar trade deals. These transactions were coordinated by Colonel Othman Al-Zubair, head of Sudan’s military financial operations.
Among the prominent figures implicated:
- Salah Gosh, former head of Sudanese intelligence, who reportedly oversaw the arms network within the UAE.
- Khalid Youssef Mokhtar Youssef, Gosh’s former chief of staff and a retired intelligence officer.
- A former advisor to Sudan’s Finance Minister.
- Several Sudanese businessmen, one of whom holds Ukrainian nationality and owns multiple firms—one listed under U.S. sanctions—that allegedly helped move weapons and drones to Sudan’s army.
Authorities seized forged contracts, fraudulent shipping documents, and communications between the conspirators. The arms, according to investigators, were shipped from a foreign country and only stopped in the UAE to refuel—intended to continue onward under the guise of a humanitarian cargo.
The investigation revealed the group had already profited roughly $2.6 million from two such deals, splitting proceeds among key members. UAE officials say this money trail clearly ties the group’s financial interests to Sudan’s ongoing internal conflict.
Attorney-General Al Shamsi called the case a serious breach of the UAE’s national security, emphasizing the nation will not tolerate attempts to use its territory as a hub for illegal arms trafficking. He confirmed the Public Prosecution is moving forward with legal proceedings, with an expedited trial planned for those under arrest. Final findings from the investigation will be shared once concluded.
