Interpol Helps Ethiopia Arrest Suspect in 46.4 Million Birr Fraud Case

By Mintesinot Nigussie  |  September 17, 2026

The Ethiopian Federal Police, working with Interpol, has arrested a suspect accused of fleeing the country after allegedly withholding more than 46.4 million birr from the sale of 12 BYD Seagull electric vehicles entrusted to him under an agency agreement.

The suspect received the vehicles from a private individual, Yonass Gebremeskel, to sell on his behalf, according to the Federal Police. After the vehicles were sold, he allegedly failed to hand over the proceeds and left Ethiopia.

The police said the suspect subsequently moved between Thailand, Singapore, the Philippines and Indonesia while seeking to evade legal accountability.

The Ethiopian Federal Police worked with Interpol to secure a Red Notice against the suspect, leading to his arrest in Indonesia on September 13, 2026.

He was handed over to Ethiopian Federal Police on September 15, according to the police.

The Federal Police said it has completed its investigation into the alleged fraud case and prepared a case file against the suspect. He is also being investigated in connection with two other alleged serious fraud offences.

The arrest demonstrates the role of international police cooperation in pursuing suspects accused of cross-border crimes, particularly when individuals leave the country to evade prosecution.

The Federal Police said it would continue working with Interpol and police institutions in other countries to locate and bring to justice individuals wanted in connection with terrorism and other transnational crimes.

The police thanked the Addis Ababa Police, Indonesian Police and Interpol for their contribution to the operation.

The allegations against the suspect have not been tested in court, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

Source: FSX Business News