Quebec man charged with conspiracy linked to illegal sale of Chinese drones to Libya

Two former employees of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in Montreal have been charged with conspiracy for facilitating the illegal sale of Chinese drones and military equipment destined for Libya, according to an RCMP investigation.

Poirier says the man's alleged accomplice is Mahmud Mohamed Elsuwaye Sayeh, 37, a Libyan national, and is still wanted by police.

Poirier said the current investigative theory suggests that China would have benefited from the deal by supporting the faction of Libyan National Army commander Khalifa Haftar.

"We're basically looking at a case of Chinese interference in Libya," Poirier said, noting that the RCMP investigation started in 2022.

As part of the conspiracy, Mhaouek allegedly "conspired to facilitate the purchases of Libyan oil between prohibited entities and the People's Republic of China," a news release from the RCMP published Tuesday reads.

Mahmud Mohamed Elsuwaye Sayeh is a 37-year-old Libyan national accused of conspiring to sell Chinese drones to Libya with Fathi Ben Ahmed Mhaouek, who is from Quebec.