Sudan: Haj Yousif Court Issues Illegal Currency Trading Sentences

• The Sudanese Pound (SDG) recently exceeded 7300 per US Dollar, continuing a weeks-long decline observed on September 5, 2026.
• This depreciation follows the Central Bank of Sudan granting banks more flexibility in exchange rates, leading to higher foreign currency prices and increased costs for goods and services.
• Authorities in Khartoum have intensified efforts to curb illegal foreign exchange trading and speculation outside official channels.
• The Haj Yousif Criminal Court sentenced two individuals to two years imprisonment and fined them 15 million SDG each for illegal currency trading, with exhibits confiscated.
• Foreign exchange traders warn the US Dollar could reach 10,000 SDG if urgent economic measures are not taken to address the crisis and limit speculation.

The severity of these penalties signals a heightened risk for anyone engaging in unofficial foreign exchange transactions.

The Sudanese Pound (SDG) has continued its significant depreciation against major foreign currencies, with its value surpassing 7300 SDG per US Dollar during transactions observed on a recent Saturday, September 5, 2026. This sharp decline, which has been ongoing for several weeks, coincides with concerted efforts by authorities in Khartoum to combat speculation and foreign exchange trading conducted outside official channels. The unprecedented weakening of the Sudanese Pound follows a policy shift by the Central Bank of Sudan, which granted commercial banks increased flexibility in setting exchange rates and acquiring export proceeds. This measure, intended to stabilize the market, has instead contributed to a surge in foreign currency prices and, consequently, a new wave of rising costs for essential goods and services across the country, impacting daily life for many Sudanese citizens.

Foreign exchange market participants reported on Saturday that the Sudanese Pound experienced considerable instability, even as numerous banking applications and services remained disrupted, further complicating legitimate financial transactions. Beyond the US Dollar's rate of approximately 7300 SDG, other key foreign currencies also saw elevated selling prices: the Saudi Riyal reached 1850 SDG, the UAE Dirham stood at 1950 SDG, and the Qatari Riyal was valued at around 1900 SDG. These figures underscore the severe pressure on the local currency and the challenges faced by both businesses and consumers in managing their finances.

In response to the escalating currency crisis and the proliferation of unofficial transactions, authorities in Khartoum have initiated a comprehensive Sudan foreign exchange market crackdown, specifically targeting illegal dealings and speculative activities. This intensified enforcement has already yielded significant legal consequences for individuals involved in such practices. Media reports confirm that the Haj Yousif Criminal Court recently delivered stringent Sudan illegal currency trading sentences.

Specifically, two individuals were each sentenced to two years of imprisonment and ordered to pay substantial fines of 15 million Sudanese Pounds. Furthermore, all exhibits related to their illicit activities were confiscated, with ownership transferred to the Sudanese government. These rulings highlight the government's firm stance against unauthorized currency trading and its commitment to applying Sudan anti-speculation laws to deter further illicit market behavior. The severity of these penalties signals a heightened risk for anyone engaging in unofficial foreign exchange transactions.

The recent legal actions and the ongoing depreciation of the Sudanese Pound carry significant implications for businesses and individuals operating within Sudan. Traders in the foreign exchange market have expressed profound concerns about the local currency's continued decline, warning that the US Dollar could potentially reach 10,000 SDG if urgent economic measures are not implemented by authorities to address the exchange rate crisis and curb rampant speculation. This bleak outlook, combined with the Central Bank of Sudan exchange rate policy allowing greater bank flexibility, creates an exceptionally volatile and unpredictable financial environment.

The legal impact of Sudanese Pound depreciation, coupled with the government's aggressive enforcement, means that strict adherence to official channels for all foreign exchange transactions is more critical than ever. The recent Sudan illegal currency trading sentences from the Haj Yousif Criminal Court underscore the severe consequences, including lengthy imprisonment and hefty financial penalties, for those found in violation of regulations. This situation necessitates a thorough and immediate review of foreign exchange practices for any entity operating in Sudan to ensure full compliance with Sudan anti-speculation laws and mitigate exposure to significant legal and financial risks.

Lawyers and compliance officers advising clients operating in Sudan must immediately review their clients' foreign exchange practices. The intensified security pursuits and recent court sentences signal a heightened enforcement risk for any unofficial currency transactions, necessitating strict adherence to official channels to avoid severe penalties including imprisonment and substantial fines.

Source: Original reporting via Sudan Tribune