The Fall of the “13 Devils”: How the Ambitions of Sudan‘s “Blood Trade” Crumbled in the UAE

In a dramatic turn of events, the UAE witnessed the collapse of the ambitions of what is known as the “13 Devils,” who sought to execute a scheme for smuggling weapons and military equipment under the guise of food trade. Detailed investigations uncovered a complex network aimed at infiltrating the country’s financial system to serve its illicit interests. This article explores how security agencies thwarted this plan and how precise details of the violations committed under this network were recorded.

A Complex Network and Thorough Investigations

This was not merely a weapons deal; it represented an attempt to penetrate the financial and sovereign systems of the state. Behind the “food supply” companies and fictitious trade transactions, the “13 Devils” were weaving an international scheme to finance conflicts, employing sophisticated forgery techniques to conceal massive shipments of ammunition directed to Port Sudan. While Rashid Omar and Colonel Osman Al-Zubair believed their plans were foolproof, the eyes of state security monitored every move.

Investigations Reveal Manipulation Details

Public prosecution investigations revealed that the primary suspect, Rashid Omar Abdel Qader Ali, managed “Rashid Omar Brokerage Company” as a cover for his activities, coordinating between the armament committee and weapon suppliers. In collaboration with Mohamed Al-Fattah Mohamed Beik, a financial ministry advisor, accounting manipulation was employed to inflate the value of transactions. In a documented audio recording, an amount of $2,654,000 was identified as commissions resulting from this manipulation, in a deal announced at $13 million while its actual value was only $10 million.

Expansion of Criminal Ambitions

The criminal activities were not limited to the seized shipments alone. Recordings also revealed larger ambitions led by Salah Abdullah Mohamed Saleh, known as “Salah Qush,” a prominent figure in the Sudanese intelligence community. In one recording, Qush inquired about smuggling an additional 5 million bullets through new deals, using the proceeds from the first deal to finance this urgent shipment.

Thwarting the Plan and Securing the State

In a meticulous operation, the relevant agencies managed to decode the scheme and accurately trace the paths of suspicious funds and shipments. The interception of the first shipment prevented further operations that were being prepared, resulting in the tightening of the criminal network and the arrest of the 13 suspects. The state confirmed in its statement that it would not hesitate to enforce the law firmly, emphasizing that its sovereignty and security are a “red line.”

This case serves as clear evidence of the importance of security awareness and vigilance in the face of challenges threatening the financial and social systems, ensuring the stability and safety of the country. The fall of the “13 Devils” is not just an incident; it is a warning to all that criminal activities will not go unpunished.