Sudan Military Equipment Trade Case: Court Sets Next Hearing for August 12

The Abu Dhabi Federal Court of Appeal has postponed the hearing in the Sudan military equipment trade case involving 13 individuals and six companies until August 12.

The court’s decision to adjourn the proceedings came after reviewing evidence and confessions allegedly linking the defendants to illegal military equipment deals, arms smuggling, money laundering and forgery of official documents.

During the hearing, the Federal Public Prosecution presented its arguments, highlighting a range of material and digital evidence, including audio and video recordings, communications, documents, technical assessments, financial reports and confessions from several defendants.

The prosecution said the evidence formed a comprehensive chain proving the alleged offences and presented a video showing what it described as the planning and execution of the criminal scheme. It alleged that state facilities and resources were misused to facilitate illegal military equipment transactions, transfer funds and conceal proceeds through companies, bank accounts and falsified documents.

According to the prosecution, the accused were arrested while inspecting the cargo of an aircraft before its departure to Sudan.

The prosecution argued that using the UAE’s territory, institutions and facilities for such activities represented not only a violation of the law but also an infringement on the state’s sovereignty, security and international commitments.

It further stated that the seriousness of the alleged crimes was heightened by the destination of the military equipment and the potential consequences of involving the UAE’s name in a conflict unrelated to the country, including risks to its international reputation, diplomatic relations and interests.

The prosecution said investigations had uncovered an organised criminal operation aimed at using the UAE as a platform for military equipment transactions, financial transfers and concealment of the true nature of the funds involved.

It added that the money in the case was not merely a result of the alleged crimes but was used as a key instrument to carry out the operations.

The prosecution also claimed that members of the alleged network had dealings with military officials, political figures, Sudanese businessmen, and individuals and companies listed on US and Interpol sanctions lists.

It alleged that the military equipment transactions were carried out following requests from the Sudanese Army’s Armament Committee, headed by Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan and his deputy Yasser Al-Atta, with coordination involving Othman Al-Zubair, the financial officer of the Port Sudan Authority.

Defence lawyers presented their arguments and submitted memoranda to the court, claiming that some defendants were exploited by others to establish fictitious companies in their names. They argued that the bank accounts of these companies were controlled by those who allegedly misused them to transfer funds linked to the military equipment purchase deal.

The defence also requested additional time for the first defendant to complete his submissions.

UAE Attorney-General Dr. Hamad Saif Al Shamsi had referred 19 defendants, including 13 individuals and six companies, to the Abu Dhabi Federal Court of Appeal on April 29, 2026, to face trial over the charges brought against them.

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