BLUE LANTERN LEVEL 3: POST-SHIPMENT END-USE CHECK ON LICENCE

UNCLAS ABU DHABI 00076

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

DEPARTMENT FOR PM/DTCC: TMAZZARELLI

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KOMC ETTC US AE
SUBJECT: BLUE LANTERN LEVEL 3: POST-SHIPMENT END-USE CHECK ON LICENCE

050072150

REF: A. STATE 63350

B. SINGAPORE 00724

SENSITIVE BUT UNCLASSIFED; PLEASE HANDLE ACCORDINGLY.


1. (SBU) On July 9, TDY ECONOFF met with Azmat Rana, Sales and
Marketing Manager for the Giffin Establishment, regarding license
050072150 for a post-shipment end-use check on CH-47D helicopter
spare parts for the UAE Armed Forces General Headquarters (GHQ).
ECONOFF explained the background for the visit and provided
information on the U.S. munitions licensing system. Mr. Rana quickly
noted that he runs a "clean" business and will share whatever
documentation that the U.S. may require. He also conveyed strong
knowledge of the U.S. licensing system.


2. (SBU) Mr. Rana explained that the Giffin Establishment was
founded "seven or eight" years ago and is affiliated with "Giffin
Graphics," a company that has been in the UAE for over 30 years.
"Giffin Graphics" specializes in graphic design, machinery, paper and
related supplies. Mr. Rana stated that as part of this business, it
was decided to expand Giffin Graphics to include an "off-shoot"
company that would be involved in the aircraft spare parts
procurement business. Mr. Rana stated that he is a former UAE Air
Force official. Giffin Establishment does not appear to have a
website, but there is one for its related company Giffin Graphics
(www.giffingraphics.com). The Giffin Establishment is located in the
same building as Giffin Graphics.


3. (SBU) Mr. Rana stated that his primary client is the UAE Armed
Forces. As with other companies ECONOFF has visited that work with
the UAE Armed Forces, Mr. Rana explained that Giffin does not store
any of the articles procured on behalf of the UAE Armed Forces at any
of its warehouses. All articles are delivered straight to the UAE
GHQ warehouse; the items are never off-loaded or transferred to any
Giffin warehouses. Thus, Giffin does not handle any of the good upon
arrival at the port of entry. Mr. Rana stated that the UAE Armed
Forces is its only major client.


4. (SBU) Regarding this particular transaction, Mr. Rana stated that
he used a company in Singapore to procure the items which were then
transferred to the UAE. He stated that this Singapore-based company,
AJ Aero Support Pte. Ltd., was able to get the best price for the
items. He also explained that he met the company's director, Annie
Yeo, at an air show "a couple of years ago" and that he does not know
how she does it, but she is able to get items at a "pretty good
price." Mr. Rana also produced copies of end-user certificates that
appeared to be from the UAE Armed Forces and signed by Director
General of Purchasing, Staff Col. Eng. Yhaya Yousuf Abdulla Al
Baloushi for the items.


5. (SBU) Post has not yet been able to reach UAE GHQ to confirm
delivery. Post has sent written inquiries and continues to follow up
with UAE GHQ on the delivery on the spare parts. Post will continue
to follow-up with GHQ on this matter and report septel.
QUINN