Geneva, June 10, 2025: The International Labour Organization (ILO) is reeling from a scandal involving three diaspora-based fraudsters who infiltrated its 2025 annual conference as observers by posing as representatives of fictitious trade unions accredited through the Organisation of African Trade Union Unity (OATUU).
Identified as Mohamed Osman Haji Ali residing in Canada and his accomplices Hamdi Abdulkadir Osman and Mohamud Hassan Ali both based in Sweden, the trio is accused of discrediting the ILO’s proceedings and attempting to manipulate its image through coercive photo opportunities.
The fraudsters gained access to the International Labour Conference in Geneva by exploiting OATUU, a body claiming to represent African trade unions which endorsed their sham accreditation. These fictitious “trade unionists” registered in jurisdictions with lax oversight allowed the trio to secure observer status blending in among legitimate delegates. Their scheme unraveled after they failed to secure a place in the official Somali delegation prompting them to hire third-party online actors to spread disinformation targeting the delegation’s integrity with fabricated allegations, defamation campaigns and doctored documents.
The trio is now sowing further discord within the ILO system. Sources report that Mohamed Osman Haji Ali, Hamdi Abdulkadir Osman and Mohamud Hassan Ali have aggressively solicited photo opportunities pressuring ILO officials to pose for pictures to bolster their fraudulent credentials. Several trade union delegations from countries including Canada, Sweden and Brazil have rejected requests to take photos with the imposters citing their dubious backgrounds and disruptive behavior. “These individuals are a disgrace to the labor movement,” said a delegate from a West African trade union speaking anonymously. “We refused to entertain their charade.”
The three are no strangers to controversy with documented histories of misconduct including credible allegations of smuggling and financial fraud in Canada and Sweden. Authorities in both countries are collaborating with international law enforcement to investigate their activities which may be linked to broader criminal networks.
Speculation persists about the trio’s motives with some suggesting they aimed to leverage the ILO’s prestige to launder their reputations or secure fraudulent funding. Their failed bid to join the Somali delegation followed by a disinformation and defamation campaign underscores their calculated efforts to exploit the ILO’s platform.
In response, the ILO is implementing stricter verification measures including enhanced background checks and coordination with national and regional labor bodies. OATUU with little global reputation is reeling from scandals like this and the incident has fueled calls for greater transparency in how international organizations accredit observers.
As investigations continue, the ILO faces the urgent task of resisting discredited accreditation, restoring trust and ensuring its platform remains a beacon for genuine labor advocacy. The actions of Mohamed Osman Haji Ali, Hamdi Abdulkadir Osman and Mohamud Hassan Ali serve as a stark reminder of the sophisticated threats facing global institutions.
