Ethiopian Police Arrest Three Suspects Over Jewellery Theft Worth More Than 6 Million Birr

Addis Ababa police have arrested three suspects in connection with the theft of jewellery and luxury watches valued at more than six million birr from a residence in the capital, according to a police statement.

The main suspect, identified as Iyerusalem Bergen, had worked as a domestic worker at the victim’s home for about one year and five months. Police allege that she took advantage of the opportunity to steal several items and left them with her boyfriend, Amanuel Matios, who lives in the Shiro Meda area.

The stolen property included a gold wristwatch valued at 4.07 million birr, two diamond watches worth a combined 2.15 million birr, a gold earring valued at 126,000 birr, two gold-plated watches worth 388,000 birr and other jewellery.

The victim reported the theft to police in the Lancha area of Kirkos sub-city on October 8, 2026, according to the Ethiopian calendar date given in the statement. Police said they arrested the suspects within 24 hours of receiving the complaint.

Investigators allege that Matios sold the gold watch, valued at more than four million birr, to a third suspect, Abdulhafiz Nejib, for 540,000 birr. Police subsequently arrested the alleged buyer as well.

Police said they had recovered the property and returned it to its owner, while investigations continued to locate any items still missing. Authorities are preparing to refer the case for prosecution, according to Getadegu Worku, chief inspector and head of the Lancha-area police station.

Addis Ababa Police also urged residents to exercise caution when hiring domestic workers and to take appropriate measures to safeguard valuable possessions.

Source: FSX Business News