In a significant development in the fight against international arms trafficking, an indictment was recently unsealed against Mohamad Deiry and Samer Rayya, both principals of an Iraq-based arms company, Black Shield Ltd. The charges, which include conspiring to export munitions from the United States to Sudan and Iraq without the necessary licenses and approvals, highlight the ongoing challenges in regulating the global arms trade. This case is particularly important as it underscores the international nature of arms trafficking and the need for robust enforcement of export controls.
The Accused and Their Operations
The indictment is against Mohamad Deiry and Samer Rayya, both of whom are associated with Black Shield Ltd. This company is based in Iraq and is involved in the arms trade. Both Deiry and Rayya have ties to or may visit Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Turkey, Russia, Belarus, Sudan, and Libya.
The Allegations
The charges against Mohamad Deiry and Samer Rayya are serious and multifaceted. They face specific charges of conspiracy to unlawfully export defense articles and conspiracy to engage in international money laundering. These charges stem from their alleged actions between April and November 2016, during which they were accused of procuring various types of munitions.
The munitions involved in the illegal procurement include 23-millimeter antiaircraft ammunition, Bushmaster 40mm Grenade Launchers, FN SCAR-L CQC (5.56x45mm) assault rifles, FN SCAR-H CQC (7.62x51mm) assault rifles, FNH 5.7x28mm green tip ammunition, and HK MR762A1 LRP ii (7.62x51mm) assault rifles. These munitions were allegedly destined for Sudan and Iraq, countries that are subject to U.S. export controls due to ongoing conflicts and human rights concerns.
The co-conspirators attempted to illegally acquire the munitions from the United States in a deal worth $1,200,000, which was part of a larger scheme to illegally acquire $4 million worth of 23-millimeter ammunition. The conspiracy entailed the transportation of the munitions from the United States to Guatemala, then onward to fictitious end-users in Cyprus, prior to their final destination in Sudan and Iraq.
In furtherance of the conspiracy, Black Shield wired a downpayment of $100,000 from a front company located in Benin, West Africa. The conspiracy included representatives from Black Shield, originating from India and Belarus, who journeyed to the United States to examine the munitions. Additionally, middlemen of Israeli American and Israeli Romanian-Uzbeki descent facilitated transactions between the supplier and eventual end-users.
The Global Impact
Illegal arms trafficking is a major contributor to global conflict and instability. The activities of Mohamad Deiry and Samer Rayya, if proven, pose potential risks to American interests and allies. The case also highlights the complex international network involved in arms trafficking, with individuals and entities from multiple countries implicated. This network includes front companies, brokers, and emissaries, demonstrating the sophisticated methods used by arms traffickers to evade detection and prosecution. The case serves as a reminder of the global nature of arms trafficking and the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in combating this illicit trade.
Legal Ramifications
If convicted, Mohamad Deiry and Samer Rayya could face maximum prison sentences of five years for unlawfully exporting defense articles and 20 years for international money laundering. These penalties reflect the seriousness of the charges and the potential harm caused by their alleged activities. The investigation and prosecution of the case are being spearheaded by the FBI Miami Field Office and Assistant U.S. Attorney Randy Hummel.
It’s important to note that an indictment is merely an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The legal process in such cases is complex and rigorous, underscoring the commitment of the U.S. justice system to uphold the rule of law and ensure that those accused of serious crimes are afforded a fair trial.
This case underscores the importance of combating illegal arms trafficking to promote international security. It calls for continued vigilance and cooperation among law enforcement agencies to prevent similar illicit activities in the future. Upholding export control regulations is crucial to protecting national and global security interests. The case of Deiry and Rayya serves as a reminder of the challenges faced in this endeavor and the need for ongoing efforts to address them. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the fight against arms trafficking and other forms of illicit trade will require even greater international cooperation and a shared commitment to uphold the rule of law.
