South American Contractors in the Sudanese Conflict Allegedly Recruited by British-Based Firms

Tucked away close to the shiny soccer ground of Tottenham Hotspur in London lies a plain, unremarkable block of flats. Behind its unremarkable facade exists a dark reality: a small second-floor apartment linked to murderous atrocities taking place a vast distance to the south.

According to UK government records, this apartment in the capital is tied to a international network of firms implicated in the mass recruitment of fighters to fight in the African nation alongside militias charged of numerous atrocities and ethnic cleansing.

Hundreds of Ex- Colombian Military Enlisted

Hundreds of former Colombian military personnel have been recruited to fight with Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a armed faction blamed for sexual violence, targeted killings, and the systematic murder of civilians.

These contractors were key participants in the RSF's capture of the western Sudanese city of El Fasher in recent months, which sparked a wave of violence that analysts say has claimed over 60,000 lives.

As reports of atrocities increase, links have been identified between the mercenaries hired to capture El Fasher and addresses in the city of London.

London Flat Connected to Censured Company

The apartment in Tottenham is listed to a corporation called Zeuz Global, set up by two individuals identified and sanctioned recently by the US treasury for recruiting Colombian mercenaries to fight for the RSF.

Both figures – Colombian nationals in their 50s – are described in records at the UK company registry as living in Britain.

The company remains operational. The day after the US treasury announced restrictions on those behind the Colombian mercenary operation, Zeuz Global suddenly relocated its official location to the very heart of London. Its new postcode corresponds to one luxury accommodation in a central district.

Both hotels stated they had no link to Zeuz Global and were unaware why the firm had listed their postcodes.

"This is of major concern that the primary figures the American authorities claims are orchestrating this mercenary supply have been able to set up a UK company operating from a flat in north London," said an expert, a researcher and ex-participant of a United Nations group on Sudan.

Concerns Voiced Over UK Company Oversight

Analysts say the situation raises questions over how individuals publicly sanctioned by the US for "contributing to the civil war in Sudan" were able to seemingly set up and run a company in the UK capital.

The British foreign secretary has censured the RSF for "organized murder, torture and sexual violence" following the faction's capture of El Fasher. The RSF has been charged by the US with acts of genocide.

When asked about Zeuz Global, the registry did not comment on whether it had awareness of the firm’s activities or confirm the location of the penalized people.

Contacting Zeuz proved unsuccessful; its online site, set up in spring, was marked as "under construction" with lacking information.

Operation Headed by Former Soldier

According to the American authorities, the man at the centre of the South American recruitment operation for the RSF is a dual Colombian-Italian national and retired Colombian military officer based in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The US accuses this individual of having a key part in hiring ex-military personnel to be sent to Sudan using a Colombian recruitment firm. His wife was also penalized for running the agency.

Another dual national was similarly censured for overseeing a company alleged of handling funds and payroll for the operation hiring the mercenaries.

"During 2024 and 2025, US-based firms associated with this individual conducted numerous wire transfers, totalling millions of US dollars," the US treasury statement said.

Firm Establishment and Intensifying Conflict

In April of this year, the penalized figures set up a firm in north London called ODP8 Ltd – later re-branded Zeuz Global.

Shortly after, the RSF attacked the Zamzam displacement camp, killing more than 1,500 innocent people. After its seizure, the camp was handed over to the hired fighters, who began preparations for assaulting El Fasher.

The penalized people are listed in official UK documents as owning "starting shares" in the company, with one identified as a person of "significant control".

The two list Britain as their "place of residency".

Effect on the War and Broader Concerns

The recruitment of the South Americans has had a profound impact on the course of the conflict, experts state. These fighters have reportedly trained children to be combatants, as well as acting as marksmen, foot soldiers, instructors, and operators for drones.

These aircraft were instrumental in the fall of El Fasher and during combat in surrounding areas.

"The war in Sudan is a technologically advanced one, with precision munitions and remote aircraft causing daily civilian deaths," added the expert. "These systems require outside assistance to operate. We know that the Colombian mercenary operation has been a significant part of this outside support."

He noted that the participation of penalized persons in a UK company highlighted wider worries over the lack of strict vetting when firms are established.

"Having a UK company like this is a passport for criminals to do deals with respectable entities. It's still more difficult to join a fitness centre in most cases than to set up a UK company," he stated.

Government Response and Ongoing Allegations

A UK official said that the recent introduction of "mandatory identity verification" for corporate officers would provide more confidence about who was establishing and running UK firms.

The role of the South Americans in Sudan first came to light last year, leading to an apology from the South American nation's government.

One of the mercenaries recently confirmed that he had instructed minors in Sudan and fought in El Fasher.

The United Arab Emirates, repeatedly alleged of supplying weapons to the RSF, has also been linked to the hiring of Colombian mercenaries. A report alleged that Emirati business people supplying fighters to the RSF were linked to a senior UAE government official. The UAE has consistently denied these claims.

A UK official said: "The UK is demanding an halt to atrocities, the protection of non-combatants, and the lifting of barriers to humanitarian access."

They noted that the UK had recently imposed restrictions on RSF commanders for their role in the atrocities in El Fasher.