An appeals court in the UAE sentenced eight people to life imprisonment after finding their arms-trafficking and money-laundering operation moved funds tied to supplies for Sudan’s army, state-run news agency WAM reported Thursday.
WAM said the Abu Dhabi Federal Court of Appeal found the defendants used forged documents, UAE companies and bank accounts to route money connected to the arms deals while obscuring its origin and destination.
The ruling also directed authorities to seize ammunition and communications devices used in the crimes. It also ordered the defendants deported from the UAE after serving their sentences.
The case comes amid worsening UAE-Sudan relations over the war between Sudan’s military and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which began in April 2023. Sudan’s military accuses the UAE of supplying weapons to the RSF; the UAE denies the allegation.
Al Jazeera reported that the conflict has driven more than 14 million people from their homes and brought severe poverty and food shortages.
