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
Fatal plane crash reported near Squamish, B.C.
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada has confirmed it is working with local Mounties and the BC Coroners Service after a plane crash near Squamish, B.C. Friday night.
Grayson Murray, two-time PGA Tour winner, dead at 30
Two-time PGA Tour winner Grayson Murray died Saturday morning at age 30, one day after he withdrew from the Charles Schwab Cup Challenge at Colonial.
Humboldt Broncos crash victims and families react to decision to deport truck driver
The family of one of the victims of the Humboldt Broncos bus crash in 2018 says they are 'thankful' for a decision by a Calgary immigration board to deport the driver of the truck involved.
Community mourns victims of fatal boat crash near Kingston, Ont.
The three people killed in last weekend's tragic collision between a speedboat and a fishing boat north of Kingston are being remembered Friday.
'God forgives but we don’t': Loud outburst from stabbing victim’s family during sentencing hearing
An emotional outburst in a London, Ont. courtroom Friday disrupted the sentencing hearing of a woman who pleaded guilty for her part in the death of 29-year-old Mohammed Abdallah.
American Airlines drops law firm that said a 9-year-old girl should have seen camera on toilet seat
American Airlines has replaced the law firm that told a judge a nine-year-old girl was negligent in not noticing there was a camera phone taped to the seat in an airplane lavatory.
Family of toddler found dead at small-town Ont. daycare no closer to answers after year of investigation
A year has passed since two-year-old Vienna Irwin was found on the property of a home-based daycare in small-town Ontario, but her family says they are no closer to answers of what happened that day.
Nicki Minaj's England concert postponed after rapper was detained by Dutch authorities over pot
Nicki Minaj's concert in Manchester scheduled for Saturday night was postponed after police in the Netherlands discovered marijuana in her bags as she was preparing to leave the country.
1 dead, 3 in hospital after flying wheel crashes into bus windshield on QEW
A man is dead, and three others are in hospital after a flying wheel crashed into a coach bus on the QEW in St. Catharines.