RCMP uncovers alleged plot by 2 Montreal men to illegally sell drones, equipment to Libya
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) says it has uncovered a plot by two men in Montreal to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya illegally.
The crimes were allegedly committed by the two people while working for the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), a specialized United Nations agency with headquarters in Montreal.
"They essentially attempted to broker a deal between China and Libya when it comes to Chinese military equipment, specifically Chinese drones with large attack capabilities," said RCMP Sgt. Charles Poirier. "We're not talking small drones; we're talking small planes that have the capacity to carry missiles."
The RCMP noted Tuesday, "using foreign front companies, the individuals behind the conspiracy allegedly circumvented existing international sanctions to facilitate illegal activities."
Conspiracy charges have been filed against Fathi Ben Ahmed Mhaouek, 61, and Mahmud Mohamed Elsuwaye Sayeh, 37, in accordance with the United Nations Act and its Regulations Implementing the United Nations Resolutions and Imposing Special Economic Measures on Libya.
"They [also] attempted to export Libyan crude oil from Libya to China," said Poirier, adding this is also considered illegal in Canada under the UN Act.
He confirmed the two no longer work for ICAO, where they met.
"Part of the conspiracy took place while they were at ICAO," said Poirier. "At the time, because of their employment, they benefited from functional diplomatic immunity."
He explains that the RCMP had to ask the agency to lift its diplomatic immunity in order to lay criminal charges.
"ICAO is fully cooperating with the RCMP investigation of the individuals involved in the complaint, who left the organization a number of years ago," the agency said. "ICAO strongly condemns any actions of individuals that are inconsistent with the organization's values. ICAO is committed to upholding Canada's laws and regulations, the UN Standards of Conduct and its own stringent code of ethics."
After an investigation that started in 2022, Mhaouek was arrested at his home on Tuesday by police and faces charges of conspiring "to facilitate purchases of Libyan oil between prohibited entities and the People's Republic of China contrary to the United Nations Act."
He is expected to appear Tuesday afternoon at the Montreal courthouse.
Sayeh, on the other hand, is considered wanted by police authorities, and a Canada-wide warrant has been issued for his arrest.
"According to the investigation, Mahmud Mohamed Elsuwaye Sayeh allegedly used a scheme that concealed military equipment sellers and buyers," the RCMP notes. "The equipment is subject to UN sanctions related to Libya."
A Red Notice has also been issued by INTERPOL.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING Slovakia's populist prime minister shot in assassination attempt, shocking Europe before elections
The Slovak defence minister says doctors are fighting for the life of the country's prime minister, who was shot multiple times after a political event Wednesday afternoon.
Transport Canada's UFO 'lead' planned to meet with U.S. intel officials, called info requests a 'wild goose chase'
Canada's transportation department had a UFO 'lead' who tried to 'quell' media interest and planned to meet with U.S. intelligence officials.
'Very expensive lunch': Sask. driver handed a cell phone ticket for using points app in McDonald's drive-thru
A warning from a Saskatoon driver about using your fast-food app while in the drive-thru line — a trip to get some free lunch cost him a lot more than he bargained for.
'The Fly' has become notorious in France after a brazen escape. What's his criminal history?
A prisoner nicknamed “The Fly” has become notorious in France overnight after a daring and bloody escape from a prison convoy in Normandy that left two guards dead.
BREAKING Ontario's 'crypto king' Aiden Pleterski arrested
Aiden Pleterski, the self-proclaimed 'crypto king' from Whitby, Ont., has been arrested in Durham Region after allegedly running a Ponzi scheme worth more than $40 million.
BREAKING Barge hits a bridge in Texas, damaging the structure and causing an oil spill
A barge slammed into a bridge pillar in Galveston, Texas, on Wednesday, spilling oil into surrounding waters and closing the only road to a smaller and separate island that is home to a university, officials said. There were no immediate reports of injuries.
Person responsible for 1996 drugging of 'Titanic' crew likely not a local: Halifax police
Halifax Regional Police believe a non-resident could be responsible for the infamous drugging of numerous crew members of the 'Titanic' movie with a hallucinogenic in 1996.
Latest updates on the biggest wildfires burning in Canada
Thousands of people in Western Canada remain displaced from their homes as wildfires threaten their communities, triggering evacuation orders and alerts.
OPINION If you think you can’t focus for long, you’re right: Sandee LaMotte
Regaining your focus requires you to be mindful of how you are using technology -- a daunting task if you consider the average American spends at least 10 hours a day on screens.