Cadex Defence Confirms Rifles Fraudulently Diverted to Russia

Cadex Defence, a Quebec-based firearms manufacturer, announced that an internal investigation confirmed its high-precision rifles were fraudulently diverted to Russia without the company's knowledge or consent. The probe was initiated after reports emerged showing Russian snipers using Cadex rifles in Ukraine and the weapons being displayed at a Moscow gun show. Some units appeared brand new with tags, while others seemed captured from Ukrainian forces. Cadex stated it fully cooperated with Canadian authorities, including the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), which briefed the company on Russian procurement tactics. The firm emphasized that it never authorized any sales or exports to the Russian Federation, directly or indirectly, in violation of sanctions imposed following President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine. In response to the incident, Cadex has strengthened its verification mechanisms and due diligence procedures to mitigate future risks of fraudulent diversion within the international supply chain. This case highlights ongoing challenges in preventing Western-made weapons from reaching Russia through third-party countries despite strict export controls.