A damning investigation by The Sentry has revealed how Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) built a shadow economy through Dubai, using gold revenues to finance its war machine and sidestep international sanctions.
The 17-page report details how at least 16 companies — spanning gold trading, logistics, and consultancy — were created in the United Arab Emirates by Sudanese and Emirati businessmen. These firms allegedly channeled millions in conflict gold profits to the RSF, enabling it to procure weapons and military vehicles.
Among those named is Sudanese businessman Mazin Fadlalla, identified as a pivotal financier. In 2019, he reportedly purchased 200 Toyota pickup trucks later weaponized as RSF “technicals.” Fadlalla also co-owned four gold-trading firms in Dubai, including Mamlaket Kush and Al Zumoroud & Al Yaqoot, which served as conduits for Darfur-mined gold entering global markets.
The network extends to Emirati figures such as Naser Al Hammadi, the former head of Capital Tap Holding — sanctioned by the US for supplying funds and equipment to the RSF. Following its transfer to Sudanese national Abozer Habib, Capital Tap diversified into procurement and South Sudan contracts through subsidiaries including Horizon and Natwest Logistics.
The report also names Essa Al Marri, connected to dissolved firms Blaze Gold and Glow Gold, which investigators say laundered conflict gold until their closure in 2025.
The Sentry warns that while some companies have been sanctioned or shut down, their backers remain active. It is urging governments to expand sanctions on individuals such as Fadlalla and probe still-operating entities like Aoun Commercial Brokers.
