Archive · 25 Jun 2025
Jane Street Founder Duped Into Funding South Sudan Coup
A financier, Robert Granieri, says he was tricked into giving money for a coup in South Sudan.
A man named Peter Ajak and another person are accused of trying to buy weapons like AK-47s.
Granieri, the financier, gave them $7 million, thinking it was for good causes.
The accused men claim they were acting with U.S. knowledge.
The situation arose from South Sudan's struggles since becoming a new country after a civil war, and now involves questions of illegal arms exports.
Jane Street co-founder Robert Granieri says he was duped into funding an alleged coup plot in South Sudan.
Harvard Fellow Peter Ajak and another individual were charged with conspiring to illegally export arms to South Sudan.
Granieri provided $7 million in funding, believing it was for human rights causes.
Ajak and Abraham Keech have pleaded not guilty and claim U.S. officials were aware of their plans.
The case involves the potential illegal purchase of AK-47s, Stinger missiles, and grenades.
- Who
- Robert Granieri, Peter Ajak, Abraham Keech, and Garry Kasparov.
- What
- An alleged plot to purchase weapons (AK-47s, Stinger missiles, grenades) for a coup in South Sudan and the subsequent financial fraud.
- When
- The alleged plot began early last year, with arrests occurring shortly after.
- Where
- The events involve South Sudan, the US (Phoenix, Midtown Manhattan) and meetings across various locations.
- Why
- Ajak allegedly aimed to topple South Sudan's government. Granieri was allegedly deceived into funding the plot.
Defendants' Perspective
Prosecution's Perspective
Official Involvement
Defendants' Perspective
They claim to have been acting with the knowledge and/or support of US officials.
Prosecution's Perspective
Prosecutors maintain that the actions were illegal and unauthorized.
- Primary Figure
- Peter Ajak
- Financier
- Robert Granieri
- Amount Funded
- $7 million
- Accusation
- Conspiracy to illegally export arms
- Country Involved
- South Sudan