(London) – British authorities have launched a criminal case against two men accused of illegally exporting military equipment to several conflict affected countries, including South Sudan. The prosecution pointed out serious violations of international arms control laws and raises fresh concerns over the global black market in weapons.
The accused, David Greenhalgh, 67 and Christos Farmakis, 47 pleaded not guilty to 17 separate charges at Southwark Crown Court on 13 June 2025. According to prosecutors, the alleged arms transfers took place between 2009 and 2016. The charges cover multiple countries under international sanctions, including Iran, Libya, Sudan, Syria and South Sudan.
The UK does not impose a statute of limitations for such offences, meaning alleged crimes committed over a decade ago can still be prosecuted. The trial has been scheduled for April 2026.
Court documents allege that the defendants arranged or assisted in the shipment of a wide range of military items. This included fighter jets, radar systems, missiles, and ammunition to Libya, surface to air missile systems and Soviet-era MiG-29, Su-25, and Su-27 jets to Sudan and rocket-propelled grenades to Syria.
Specifically in relation to South Sudan, the indictment accuses the pair of helping to supply battle tanks, AK-47 rifles anti tank missiles and ammunition.
These are believed to have been delivered at a time when South Sudan was embroiled in internal conflict and under an arms embargo imposed by the United Nations Security Council.
Farmakis is also alleged to have played a role in arranging the illegal transfer of 5,500 AK47 rifles and 100,000 tonnes of ammunition to Syria, along with 25,000 pistols to an undisclosed country. Authorities say he facilitated the export of unspecified quantities of additional AK-47s to both Iran and South Sudan.
Greenhalgh faces further charges for his alleged involvement in the illegal shipment of Mi-24V attack helicopters to Sudan, a country also subject to strict arms control measures.
If found guilty, the defendants could face lengthy prison sentences. The case is considered one of the most serious UK prosecutions for illegal arms dealing in recent years and is being closely watched by international observers and human rights groups.
The allegations come as South Sudan continues to struggle with post conflict insecurity. Proliferation of small arms and heavy weapons has fuelled violence, cattle raiding and lawlessness in several parts of the country.
The presence of foreign supplied arms has long been a source of concern for peace monitors and humanitarian organisations operating in the region.
