Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09KUWAIT1011
2009-10-22 12:36:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Kuwait
Cable title:  

BLUE LANTERN: VERIFYING BONA FIDES OF REGISTERED

Tags:  ETRD ETTC EIND EINT KOMC KU 
pdf how-to read a cable
VZCZCXYZ0026
RR RUEHWEB

DE RUEHKU #1011 2951236
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 221236Z OCT 09
FM AMEMBASSY KUWAIT
TO RUCPDOC/DEPT OF COMMERCE WASHDC
RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 4088
UNCLAS KUWAIT 001011 

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

STATE PM/DTCC-BLUE LANTERN BROKER INQUIRY

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ETRD ETTC EIND EINT KOMC KU
SUBJECT: BLUE LANTERN: VERIFYING BONA FIDES OF REGISTERED
BROKER NALLEPILLY K. BALASUBRAMANIAN - CASE NO. K-2330

REF: STATE 99555

UNCLAS KUWAIT 001011

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

STATE PM/DTCC-BLUE LANTERN BROKER INQUIRY

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ETRD ETTC EIND EINT KOMC KU
SUBJECT: BLUE LANTERN: VERIFYING BONA FIDES OF REGISTERED
BROKER NALLEPILLY K. BALASUBRAMANIAN - CASE NO. K-2330

REF: STATE 99555


1. (SBU) Per reftel request, Econoff visited Gulf Technology
Electronic & Systems Co. October 1 and met with its director,
Nallepilly K. Balasubramanian, to substantiate the company's
bona fides as a broker of USML items. Econoff confirmed that
the company is in business at the listed location.
Balasubramanian stated that his company is an arms broker for
U.S. efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Gulf Technology was
established in 1998 by Fouad al Ghanim, as a subsidiary of
the Al Ghanim Group, a family conglomerate, which serves as
agent or partner for a number of U.S. companies. Gulf
Technology employs twenty people and works primarily as an
agent for high-end electronics and defense equipment.


2. (U) Balasubramanian lists the MoD and MoI as his
government clients and he sponsors Raytheon and L3
Communications. Balasubramanian supplied Econoff with Gulf
Technology's USG Brokering Registration Code document and his
TRACE International Good Standing Certificate. TRACE is a
non-profit, Maryland-based association that promotes
transparency and anti-bribery compliance in international
business transactions.


3. (U) Balasubramanian said that Gulf Technology does not
market U.S.-origin equipment outside of Kuwait.
Balasubramanian indicated that he is aware of U.S. Munitions
List restrictions, including the prohibition against
unauthorized re-transfers and re-exports.


4. (SBU) Gulf Technology Group is a subsidiary of the Foaud
al Ghanim & Sons Group, established in 1962. Al Ghanim Group
lists among its clients Kuwait's Ministries of Electricity
and Water, Public Works, and Defense and has fully and partly
owned subsidiary companies based in the U.S., Europe, Africa
and the Middle East. Al Ghanim's estimated worth is between
$850 million to $1 billion dollars. Al Ghanim is a privately
owned company and not registered with the stock market.


5. (SBU) Post believes that Gulf Technology Electronic &
Systems Company is a reputable broker for U.S. technologies.


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For more reporting from Embassy Kuwait, visit:
visit Kuwait's Classified Website at:

http://www.intelink.sgov.gov/wiki/Portal:Kuwa it
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JONES