The RCMP have announced they’ve charged two former United Nations staffers who allegedly attempted to sell Chinese drones and military equipment to Libya — while working at a UN headquarters in Montreal.

“Conspiracy charges have been filed against Fathi Ben Ahmed Mhaouek, 61, of Sainte-Catherine and Mahmud Mohamed Elsuwaye Sayeh, 37,” the RCMP’s statement reads.

Mhaouek was charged on Tuesday, while a Canada-wide warrant has been issued for Sayeh’s arrest.

The RCMP further indicated that because they were formerly protected by the United Nations diplomatic immunity, the charges were carefully crafted in accordance with the United Nations Act.

RCMP Sgt. Charles Poirier stated that the two men “essentially attempted to broker a deal between China and Libya when it comes to Chinese military equipment, specifically Chinese drones with large attack capabilities.” 

He added: “We’re not talking small drones; we’re talking small planes that have the capacity to carry missiles.”

The investigation started in 2022, but the conspiracy charges were just filed this week.

Sgt. Poirier stated that the two men met while working at the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), which is a United Nations agency.

“At the time, because of their employment, they benefited from functional diplomatic immunity,” he said.

The UN’s ICAO responded to CTV News by distancing themselves from the two men, saying they haven’t worked at their agency “for years,” which appears to imply 2 years, given that the RCMP said the alleged illegal acts took place in 2022 when they were working for the UN.

“ICAO is fully cooperating with the RCMP investigation of the individuals involved in the complaint, who left the organization a number of years ago,” the agency stated. “ICAO strongly condemns any actions of individuals that are inconsistent with the organization’s values. ICAO is committed to upholding Canada’s laws and regulations, the UN Standards of Conduct and its own stringent code of ethics.”