BREAKING: British Businessman David Greenhalgh, Ex-Lover of Ugandan Socialite Bad Black, Convicted in UK Arms Trafficking Plot
LONDON, June 18, 2026 – British businessman David Greenhalgh, formerly romantically linked to Ugandan socialite Bad Black, has been found guilty in a United Kingdom court for his role in a large-scale international arms trafficking operation. Prosecutors say the scheme aimed to funnel millions of pounds worth of weaponry, including surface-to-air missiles and combat helicopters, into volatile conflict zones such as South Sudan.
The conviction, handed down at Southwark Crown Court, concludes a years-long investigation by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) into what authorities have described as a major attempt to broker the illegal sale of military hardware to nations and regions under strict UK arms embargoes.
A Vast Arsenal of Weapons
According to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), Greenhalgh, alongside co-defendant Farmakis (full name not disclosed), operated through the Airservices group of companies between 2009 and 2016. During this period, the pair allegedly attempted to broker the supply of a staggering arsenal, including:
· Mi-24 combat helicopter gunships
· Surface-to-air missile systems
· Battle tanks and anti-tank missile launchers
· Fighter jets
· Rocket-propelled grenades
· Tens of thousands of AK-47 assault rifles
Prosecutors detailed that the intended destinations for these weapons included Sudan, South Sudan, Libya, Iraq, and Iran—all of which were subject to UK arms restrictions or United Nations embargoes at the time.
Email Evidence and South Sudan Links
In a damning piece of evidence presented during the trial, Greenhalgh was cited in an email discussing a proposed deal involving 100,000 AK-47 rifles destined for South Sudan, one of the world’s most fragile and conflict-ridden nations. The email underscored the pair’s willingness to inject massive quantities of weaponry into regions already destabilised by civil war and humanitarian crises.
At the time of his activities, Greenhalgh was publicly portrayed as a wealthy foreign businessman with extensive commercial interests across Africa, including South Sudan. However, little was known about the true nature of his business dealings, which prosecutors have now exposed as a covert attempt to profit from global conflict.
A High-Profile Personal Life
Greenhalgh’s conviction brings renewed attention to his past personal ties. He was previously in a high-profile relationship with Ugandan socialite and businesswoman Shanita Namuyimbwa, famously known as Bad Black. Their relationship made tabloid headlines across East Africa and the UK, painting Greenhalgh as a jet-setting entrepreneur. However, his conviction now casts a shadow over that glamorous image, revealing a parallel life of alleged illicit arms dealing.
Strong Warning from Authorities
Following the verdict, HMRC officials emphasised the significance of the convictions.
“This case sends a very strong message to anyone seeking to profit from illegal weapons trafficking,” a spokesperson for HMRC said. “We will relentlessly pursue those who undermine international security and attempt to fuel conflict for financial gain.”
The CPS echoed those sentiments, noting that the operation posed a serious threat to global stability and violated UK laws designed to prevent arms from reaching war zones.
Sentencing Pending
Greenhalgh and his co-defendant Farmakis are due to be sentenced on July 22, 2026, also at Southwark Crown Court. They remain in custody pending sentencing, where they face significant prison terms.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the UK’s crackdown on international arms trafficking, even when conducted by businessmen operating under the guise of legitimate enterprise. As the court prepares to hand down sentences next month, authorities hope the verdict will deter others from engaging in similar illicit trade.
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