Source: YouTube: An Evening With Ryan O'Grady
A Cobourg native and former international banking executive says he fears he could die if extradited from the United Arab Emirates to South Sudan amid an ongoing legal battle tied to his former role as CEO of Kush Bank.
Ryan O’Grady, 47, has been held in Al Awir prison in Dubai since November while fighting a South Sudanese extradition request connected to allegations of breach of trust.
In statements shared with media outlets, O’Grady says the accusations are retaliation for exposing alleged multimillion dollar corruption schemes while leading Kush Bank between 2022 and 2023. He claims he faced threats after attempting to reform financial practices within the institution before leaving South Sudan.
O’Grady says prison conditions in Dubai have already affected his health and argues extradition to South Sudan could place him at serious risk.
Reports published online over the past year have also raised allegations about O’Grady’s business activities and financial dealings connected to South Sudan’s banking and oil sectors. O’Grady denies wrongdoing and says the accusations form part of a coordinated smear campaign linked to his anti corruption efforts.
Former Canadian ambassador to South Sudan Nicholas Coghlan described the case to The Globe and Mail as appearing to involve a potential miscarriage of justice.
Global Affairs Canada confirmed it is aware of the case and is providing consular assistance, while Northumberland Peterborough South MP Philip Lawrence’s office says Canadian officials are formally opposing extradition because of concerns surrounding due process and the risk of mistreatment.
(Written by: Joseph Goden)
