UAE foils $13m arms trafficking attempt

Authorities in the United Arab Emirates have thwarted an alleged arms trafficking operation valued at $13 million, referring 13 individuals and six companies to the State Security Court, according to the Public Prosecution.

Hamad Saif Al Shamsi said the case, now before the Abu Dhabi Federal Court of Appeal, involves charges including illicit weapons trading, document forgery, and money laundering.

Investigations revealed that the network attempted to route a shipment of ammunition through the UAE to Port Sudan in violation of national laws. Authorities said the operation was detected and halted before completion, with suspects arrested and shipments intercepted.

According to prosecutors, the scheme involved two linked transactions designed to conceal illegal activities through commercial and financial fronts. The first deal, arranged outside the UAE, centred on the supply of weapons—including rifles, machine guns, and grenades—reportedly valued at $13 million, though authorities estimate the actual value to be lower. The difference was allegedly distributed as unlawful commissions using companies and bank accounts as cover.

A second phase of the operation took place داخل the UAE, where more than $2 million from the proceeds was used to procure additional ammunition. Part of this shipment was reportedly brought into the country using fraudulent methods, including transport via private aircraft, ahead of a planned transfer.

Authorities also uncovered broader plans to expand the operation, including attempts to smuggle millions of additional rounds of ammunition through multiple transactions. Officials said early intervention prevented these plans from materialising.

Evidence gathered includes financial records, bank transfers, communications, and confessions from several suspects, prosecutors said.

Officials reiterated that the UAE maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward attempts to misuse its territory or financial systems for illegal activities, stressing that safeguarding national security remains a top priority.