Authorities say a broader investigation into election-related crimes uncovered links to an alleged illegal weapons network.

Among the 21 individuals now facing arrest is former French Foreign Legion soldier Horatiu Potra, who served under contract in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

“About the weapons, I will admit to illegal possession, but first I want to say that… rather than die legally, it is better to live illegally,” Potra said, as quoted by Reuters.