On Tuesday, Canadian authorities initiated an extensive investigation into two former United Nations employees accused of orchestrating a clandestine operation to sell advanced military drones to factions in war-torn Libya.
The suspects, Canadian citizen Fathi Ben Ahmed Mhaouek and Libyan national Mahmoud Mohamed Elsuwaye Sayeh, are alleged to have utilized fictitious companies to facilitate these transactions between 2018 and 2021 while employed at the International Civil Aviation Organization in Montreal.
Sergeant Charles Poirier of the Canadian Police detailed that the accused aimed to breach UN sanctions that prohibit the provision of military support to Libyan factions. The equipment in question includes high-capacity drones capable of carrying multiple missiles, significantly raising the stakes in Libya’s ongoing conflict.
Conspiracy charges have been filed against the two suspects, in accordance with the United Nations Act and its Regulations Implementing the United Nations Resolutions and Imposing Special Economic Measures on Libya.
They attempted to export Libyan crude oil from Libya to China,” said Poirier, adding this is also considered illegal in Canada under the UN Act.
This operation was set to generate millions in undisclosed revenue, potentially destabilizing the region further.
While Mhaouek has been apprehended and is awaiting court proceedings, Sayeh remains at large with an Interpol Red Notice issued for his arrest. This case highlights the complex international implications of Libya’s protracted conflict and underscores the ongoing challenges in enforcing global sanctions and preventing arms trafficking.
The International Civil Aviation Organization has condemned any actions by its former staff that contradict its mission and values, reinforcing its commitment to supporting legal and ethical standards across its operations. This incident has sparked international dialogue on the enforcement of UN sanctions and the broader implications of unauthorized military support to volatile regions like Libya.
