An international arms broker is on trial in London accused of using a government-linked role to facilitate the alleged illegal trade of military equipment to countries under strict embargoes, according to reporting from Times UK. Prosecutors told Southwark Crown Court that the case involves attempts to supply weapons systems and military hardware to states including Libya, Iran, and South Sudan in breach of export control laws.
The defendant, Christos Farmakis, is alleged to have used his position at a government-funded economic organisation as a cover to promote deals involving Soviet-era military equipment. Prosecutors claim he leveraged official credentials and communication channels to give an appearance of legitimacy to discussions that included combat aircraft, missile systems, tanks, and small arms. The court heard that these activities allegedly took place between 2009 and 2016 while he was employed by a publicly funded quango intended to support business development.
According to evidence presented in court and reported by Times UK, Farmakis allegedly engaged in discussions involving the potential supply of advanced weapons systems such as MiG fighter jets, surface-to-air missile batteries, and helicopter gunships. Prosecutors claim that his communications referenced multiple embargoed countries, including Sudan, Syria, Iraq, and Iran, raising serious concerns about breaches of international arms control regulations.
The prosecution also alleges that official resources, including email accounts and office addresses, were used to support or facilitate these activities. It was told in court that documents linked to suspected arms deals were discovered at the organisation’s headquarters in London Bridge, including material referencing attempted sales to Libya during its post-conflict instability following the fall of Muammar Gaddafi. Prosecutors argue that this created what they described as an “air of legitimacy” around the alleged dealings.
A co-defendant, David Greenhalgh, is also standing trial, with both men denying any involvement in illegal arms trading or knowingly breaching export laws. The case further alleges connections to a wider network of companies and intermediaries operating across multiple countries, including Ukraine, Greece, and South Sudan, some of which prosecutors claim were used as fronts to move or negotiate military equipment.
Farmakis, who is now living in Greece and is not attending the proceedings in person, has denied receiving financial benefit from any arms transactions. The trial continues as the court examines claims involving complex international dealings, alleged misuse of official positions, and the attempted movement of controlled military hardware into conflict regions.
