Two UN employees in Montreal accused of illegally selling Chinese drones to Libya

Two former United Nations workers in Montreal face charges for allegedly conspiring to sell Chinese-made drones and military equipment to Libya, violating UN sanctions, Canadian authorities announced Tuesday. 

The charges against Fathi Ben Ahmed Mhaouek, 61, and Mahmud Mohamed Elsuwaye Sayeh, 37, relate to activities from 2018 to 2021 at the International Civil Aviation Organization, a UN agency. 

RCMP Sergeant Charles Poirier detailed that the suspects used shell companies to facilitate the sales, involving large drones capable of carrying multiple missiles. 

The transactions contravened UN sanctions imposed on Libya during its civil conflict and are enforceable under Canadian law through federal regulation.