South Africa’s Paramount defense contractor has informed its Anti-Corruption Unit (SIU) that companies in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are suspected of unlawfully acquiring intellectual property (IP) from South African arms manufacturers.
The investigation focuses on employees from at least two defense firms suspected of transferring military IP—such as research and design data—to UAE state-owned companies.
Lynn Lauth, Paramount’s lawyer, told OCCRP: “Paramount Group is cooperating fully with the SIU in its investigation into alleged wrongdoing by UAE Government-controlled entities, particularly regarding the unlawful targeting of South African defense IP”.
OCCRP obtained two confidential briefs from the SIU, including one shared with Parliament in 2023 and another internal one from 2025.
The SIU said it cannot comment publicly on its ongoing investigation but has referred evidence of potential criminal conduct to South Africa’s National Prosecuting Authority.
Paramount has also launched an internal review to determine whether IP was transferred after its joint venture with UAE partners collapsed.
