The Abu Dhabi Federal Court of Appeal has handed down life sentences to eight individuals involved in an illicit operation that funneled weapons and ammunition to the Sudanese Army. The elaborate scheme utilized a network of commercial shell companies, bank transfers, and falsified cargo manifests—which claimed military equipment were medical supplies—to move restricted goods into Port Sudan. Beyond the arms trafficking, the court found the group guilty of significant money laundering, ordering heavy fines of Dh1 million per person and the seizure of funds and assets associated with the criminal enterprise.

The investigation uncovered a sophisticated roles-based operation, involving former Sudanese intelligence officials and military advisers who coordinated the purchases and financial settlements. Key defendants facilitated these deals by leveraging private companies to mask payments and securing landing permits for transport aircraft. In addition to the life sentences, the court ordered the deportation of the convicted parties upon the completion of their prison terms and mandated the closure of several involved companies. The ruling underscored that these actions not only bypassed international arms restrictions but also exploited the UAE’s financial systems, ultimately threatening the nation’s interests and international standing.