Canadian authorities have charged two former employees of the United Nations in Montreal with conspiracy related to the illegal sale of military equipment to Libya. Fathi Ben Ahmed Mhaouek, 61, and Mahmud Mohamed Elsuwaye Sayeh, 37, were implicated in schemes to sell Chinese-made drones and other military gear between 2018 and 2021, while employed at the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), a UN agency.
#BREAKING_NEWS : Major breakthrough in investigation of Illegal sale of Chinese drones and Military Equipment.
Fathi Ben Ahmed Mhaouek, 61, of Sainte-Catherine and Mahmud Mohamed Elsuwaye Sayeh, 37 committed these alleged crime while working in the ICAO, a UN agency in Montréal.… pic.twitter.com/R7wkHn3kt6— Sameer Kaushal 🇨🇦❤🇮🇳 (@itssamonline) April 23, 2024
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) spokesperson, Sgt. Charles Poirier, outlined that the accused operated through shell companies to facilitate the sale of large drones capable of carrying multiple missiles to Libyan factions, directly contravening UN sanctions imposed due to the Libyan civil war. These sanctions are enforced as federal law in Canada.
The conspiracy also allegedly included plans to secretly export millions of drums of Libyan crude oil to China. At the time, the oil fields were controlled by General Khalifa Hifter, whose forces have been significant players in the Libyan conflict. The RCMP has issued a Canada-wide warrant and an Interpol red notice for Sayeh, who remains at large, while Mhaouek was arrested at his residence in Ste-Catherine, Quebec.
Sgt. Poirier noted that there is no evidence to suggest that the military equipment or oil reached their intended destinations. However, if successful, the operations could have yielded millions in commissions for Mhaouek and Sayeh and would have benefited China by securing a covert supply of Libyan oil and supporting General Hifter’s faction.
The investigation into these allegations began in 2022 following credible intelligence received by the RCMP. Prior to the charges, both men enjoyed diplomatic immunity due to their positions at the ICAO, which was waived to allow for their prosecution.
The ICAO has cooperated with the ongoing police investigation, asserting that there was no prior knowledge of the conspiracy within the organization. The agency reaffirmed its commitment to uphold Canadian laws, UN standards, and its own ethical guidelines.
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