Six Suspects Face 31 Charges in Ethiopian Human Trafficking Case

Six suspects are facing 31 criminal charges in Ethiopia over their alleged involvement in a human trafficking network accused of illegally transporting citizens abroad and subjecting them to inhumane treatment, the Federal Police said.

The case follows an investigation conducted by the Ethiopian Federal Police in cooperation with Dubai Police into a trafficking network that allegedly operated both inside and outside Ethiopia.

The police said its investigation identified six principal suspects and domestic accomplices and was supported by witness and documentary evidence before being referred to the Ministry of Justice for prosecution.

The suspects are Dawud Teferi Legese, Rahmet Abebe Eshete, Ikram Mohammed Ayalehu, Bezuaeyahu Aguchewu Behaylu, Eyasu Ayele Habte and Admasu Teferi Legese.

The Federal Prosecutor brought the charges under Article 32(1)(a) and (b) of the 2004 Ethiopian Criminal Code and Article 11(3) of Proclamation No. 1178/2020, which governs the prevention and control of human trafficking and the illegal crossing of people across borders.

Two of the suspects, Ikram Mohammed Ayalehu and Admasu Teferi Legese, have been charged in absentia, according to the police.

The investigation also led to the arrest of Desta Tegenu Abegaz in Dubai. He was subsequently transferred to Ethiopia and is being investigated separately in connection with another criminal case, police said.

The Federal Police had previously announced the arrests of Dawud Teferi Legese and Desta Tegenu Abegaz following cooperation with Dubai Police. Three alleged domestic accomplices, Rahmet Abebe Eshete, Bezuaeyahu Aguchewu Behaylu and Eyasu Ayele Habte, were also taken into custody.

The police said it would continue working with law enforcement agencies in other countries and Interpol to apprehend suspects wanted for terrorism and other cross-border crimes and bring them before the courts.

Source: FSX Business News