The Department of Justice has recently unsealed an indictment charging two foreign businessmen with conspiring to purchase and export weapons of war to Iraq and Sudan. The accused individuals, Mohamad Majd Deiry, a Syrian national, and Samer Rayya, a Lebanese national, were charged in the Southern District of Florida with illegally exporting arms from the United States and committing international money laundering.
The investigation, which spanned several years, revealed a complex network of individuals and companies involved in the illegal arms trade. According to the indictment, Deiry and Rayya allegedly used their businesses as fronts to facilitate the purchase and shipment of weapons to conflict zones in Iraq and Sudan. They are accused of evading export controls and smuggling a variety of firearms, ammunition, and other military-grade equipment.
The indictment also alleges that Deiry and Rayya engaged in international money laundering to conceal the illicit proceeds from their arms trafficking activities. They allegedly used a network of shell companies and offshore accounts to launder millions of dollars obtained from the sale of illegal weapons. The funds were then allegedly used to finance their criminal enterprise and support other illicit activities.
The charges against Deiry and Rayya are part of a broader effort by federal authorities to combat the illegal arms trade and disrupt the flow of weapons to conflict zones around the world. The Department of Justice, in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies, has been actively targeting individuals and organizations involved in arms smuggling and money laundering.
The indictment serves as a reminder of the significant challenges posed by the illicit arms trade and the need for international cooperation to address this issue. The illegal trafficking of weapons not only fuels conflicts and destabilizes regions but also contributes to human rights abuses and undermines global security.
The Department of Justice is committed to holding individuals accountable for their involvement in arms smuggling and money laundering. The charges against Deiry and Rayya carry severe penalties, including lengthy prison sentences and substantial fines. If convicted, the accused individuals could face decades behind bars and the forfeiture of their assets.
As the case unfolds, federal officials will continue to work closely with their international partners to dismantle criminal networks involved in the illegal arms trade. By targeting the financiers and facilitators of this illicit activity, law enforcement agencies aim to disrupt the flow of weapons and reduce the harm caused by armed conflicts.
The alleged crimes committed by Deiry and Rayya are of significant concern to both the FBI and the Department of Justice. The indictment reveals a conspiracy to purchase and ship a range of dangerous weapons, including anti-aircraft rounds, grenade launchers, and automatic rifles. These weapons, if successfully obtained and distributed, could pose a significant threat to the safety and security of Americans and their allies.
What makes this case particularly alarming is the fact that Deiry and Rayya are part owners of a sanctioned Iraq-based company. This suggests that they may have been using their legitimate business as a front for their illicit activities. By exploiting their position within the company, they were able to facilitate the acquisition and transportation of these weapons, potentially enabling them to reach the hands of individuals or groups with malicious intent.
The seriousness of these charges cannot be understated. Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen has made it clear that the defendants were not merely engaged in isolated criminal activity, but rather were running an international arms trafficking ring. This organization posed a direct threat to the safety and security of not only Americans but also their allies around the world.
The charges against Deiry and Rayya demonstrate the Department of Justice’s unwavering commitment to investigating and holding accountable those who violate U.S. export controls. By pursuing this case, the Department of Justice is sending a strong message that it will not tolerate the illegal trafficking of weapons that could potentially be used to harm innocent lives.
Efforts to apprehend Deiry and Rayya are currently underway, with the FBI actively seeking their arrest. The fact that the defendants remain at large highlights the need for international cooperation in combating arms trafficking. It is crucial for law enforcement agencies across borders to work together to track down and bring to justice individuals involved in such dangerous criminal activities.
As the investigation continues, the Department of Justice remains committed to protecting national security and preventing the proliferation of weapons that could be used to cause harm. The indictment of Deiry and Rayya serves as a reminder that those who engage in the illegal arms trade will face severe consequences for their actions.
In addition to the charges of arms exporting and international money laundering, Deiry and Rayya are also facing several other charges related to their illegal activities. These charges include conspiracy to commit terrorism, providing material support to a terrorist organization, and engaging in illicit financial transactions.
The charge of conspiracy to commit terrorism stems from evidence that Deiry and Rayya were actively involved in planning and coordinating terrorist attacks in various parts of the world. Their communications and activities were closely monitored by law enforcement agencies, leading to their eventual arrest.
Furthermore, the charge of providing material support to a terrorist organization is based on the substantial evidence that Deiry and Rayya were funneling funds and resources to known terrorist groups. This support included financial assistance, weapons, and logistical support, all of which were crucial in the execution of terrorist activities.
Lastly, the charge of engaging in illicit financial transactions highlights the sophisticated money laundering network that Deiry and Rayya had established. They utilized a complex web of shell companies, offshore accounts, and cryptocurrency transactions to disguise the origins and destinations of their illicit funds.
Given the severity and scope of the charges against them, Deiry and Rayya are facing the possibility of significant prison sentences if convicted. The maximum penalty of five years for arms exporting and 20 years for international money laundering may only be the tip of the iceberg when considering the cumulative impact of all the charges they are facing.
It is worth noting that the legal proceedings surrounding this case have been complex and time-consuming. The prosecution has had to gather extensive evidence from multiple jurisdictions, coordinate with international law enforcement agencies, and navigate through various legal frameworks to build a strong case against Deiry and Rayya.
The trial, which is expected to commence in the coming months, will undoubtedly be closely watched by both domestic and international observers. The outcome of this trial will not only determine the fate of Deiry and Rayya, but it will also serve as a significant milestone in the global fight against terrorism and illicit financial activities.
The Weapons Involved
The indictment lists the weapons that the defendants attempted to export without authorization. These include 23mm anti-aircraft ammunition, Bushmaster 40mm grenade launchers, FN SCAR assault rifles, FNH 5.7x28mm green tip ammunition, and HK MR762A1 long rifles. All of these weapons are illegal to export without proper authorization.
The defendants allegedly made agreements to export hundreds of thousands of rounds of anti-aircraft munitions, worth millions of dollars, via Guatemala. The deals were made between April and November 15, 2016.
The 23mm anti-aircraft ammunition mentioned in the indictment is a highly specialized and powerful type of ammunition primarily used in military aircraft and air defense systems. Its purpose is to engage and destroy airborne targets, including helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft. The illegal export of such ammunition poses a significant threat to national security as it can potentially fall into the hands of terrorists or other criminal organizations.
In addition to the anti-aircraft ammunition, the defendants also attempted to export Bushmaster 40mm grenade launchers. These grenade launchers are known for their versatility and effectiveness in combat situations. They can be used to launch a variety of grenades, including high-explosive, smoke, and illumination rounds. The unauthorized export of these weapons could have grave consequences, as they can cause significant damage and casualties in the wrong hands.
The FN SCAR assault rifles mentioned in the indictment are highly sought after by both military and civilian users due to their reliability, accuracy, and modular design. These rifles are chambered in various calibers, including 5.56x45mm and 7.62x51mm, and are capable of semi-automatic and fully automatic fire. The illegal export of these rifles poses a serious threat to public safety, as they can be used in criminal activities or even terrorist attacks.
Furthermore, the defendants attempted to export FNH 5.7x28mm green tip ammunition, which is specifically designed for the FN Five-seveN pistol and the FN P90 submachine gun. This ammunition is known for its armor-piercing capabilities and high velocity. Its illegal export could potentially arm individuals who pose a significant threat to law enforcement and security personnel.
Last but not least, the defendants also sought to export HK MR762A1 long rifles. These rifles are renowned for their accuracy and reliability, making them highly desirable among military and law enforcement agencies. The unauthorized export of these rifles could potentially arm criminal organizations or individuals with the means to carry out acts of violence and pose a serious threat to public safety.
The attempts to export these weapons without proper authorization highlight the importance of strict export control measures and international cooperation in combating illicit arms trafficking. Such activities not only undermine national security but also contribute to the proliferation of weapons in regions plagued by conflicts and violence. It is crucial for governments to strengthen their efforts in preventing the unauthorized export of weapons and holding those involved accountable for their actions.
The global operations of the accused individuals extended far beyond the companies based in Florida, Iraq, and Israel. Their intricate network spanned across multiple countries, enabling them to carry out their illicit activities with precision and anonymity.
In addition to the aforementioned companies, the defendants established shell companies in various other jurisdictions, including offshore havens known for their lax regulations. These jurisdictions provided them with a veil of secrecy, making it challenging for authorities to trace their activities.
One such jurisdiction was the British Virgin Islands, where the accused individuals set up a company named Oceanic Trading Ltd. This entity served as a front for their arms trafficking operations, allowing them to obscure the true nature of their business and evade detection.
The defendants strategically leveraged their linguistic abilities in Russian, Arabic, and English to navigate the complex web of international arms deals. Their multilingual proficiency enabled them to communicate with arms suppliers, intermediaries, and potential buyers from diverse backgrounds, further facilitating their illegal transactions.
To execute their deals, the defendants employed sophisticated money laundering techniques, utilizing a network of international banks and financial institutions. They would route funds through multiple accounts, often in different countries, to obfuscate the origin and destination of the money involved in their operations.
Furthermore, the defendants exploited existing trade routes and transportation networks to facilitate the movement of weapons. They capitalized on the porous borders and weak regulatory oversight in certain regions, such as Guatemala, to smuggle arms undetected.
In their pursuit of profit, the defendants employed various tactics to conceal the true end-users of the weapons. They would create false documentation and invoices, misrepresenting the destination and purpose of the arms shipments. By utilizing a complex chain of intermediaries and front companies, they effectively obscured the ultimate recipients of the weapons, making it difficult for authorities to trace the flow of illicit arms.
The global nature of their operations allowed the defendants to exploit loopholes in international laws and regulations. Their ability to navigate the complexities of the global arms trade, coupled with their extensive network of contacts and resources, made them formidable adversaries for law enforcement agencies.
However, their illicit activities did not go unnoticed. Through diligent investigative work and international cooperation, law enforcement agencies were able to piece together the puzzle and expose the extent of their operations. This case serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced in combating transnational organized crime and highlights the importance of international collaboration in addressing such threats.
The FBI’s Response
The FBI’s Miami Field Office is actively investigating the case. Larissa L. Knapp, the Executive Assistant Director for the FBI’s National Security Branch, stated that the FBI is committed to investigating those involved in illegal arms acquisition and sales, as these activities fuel conflicts worldwide. Knapp emphasized that Deiry and Rayya’s alleged actions will be taken seriously, and the FBI will work tirelessly to ensure that they are brought to justice. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida is prosecuting the case.
As of now, neither the U.S. Attorney’s Office nor the FBI Miami Field Office has provided any further comments or updates regarding the case.
However, sources within the FBI have indicated that this investigation is part of a larger operation targeting an international arms trafficking network. The network, believed to have connections in multiple countries, has been under surveillance for months. The arrest of Deiry and Rayya is seen as a significant breakthrough in dismantling this illicit operation.
The FBI’s investigation has revealed that Deiry and Rayya were not acting alone. They were part of a sophisticated network that facilitated the acquisition and sale of illegal arms. The network operated through encrypted communication channels, making it challenging for law enforcement agencies to track their activities. However, with the help of advanced technology and cooperation from international partners, the FBI was able to gather substantial evidence against Deiry and Rayya.
While the exact details of the network’s operations are still under investigation, it is believed that they were involved in supplying arms to various conflict zones around the world. The FBI’s focus is not only on apprehending the individuals involved but also on disrupting the overall network’s activities.
The arrest of Deiry and Rayya has sent shockwaves through the arms trafficking community. It serves as a clear message that law enforcement agencies are actively targeting those involved in illegal arms trade and will bring them to justice. The FBI’s commitment to combating international arms trafficking is unwavering, and this operation is just one example of their ongoing efforts to ensure global security.
