Ethiopian Police Arrest Notorious Human Trafficker and Nine Accomplices in Major International Sting

Addis Ababa, April 6, 2026 (FMC) — The Ethiopian Federal Police announced the arrest of Yitbarek Dawit, an alleged notorious international human trafficker linked to the deaths of more than 100 people, the rape of over 50 women, and the trafficking of more than 3,000 individuals, along with nine of his accomplices.

The arrests follow an extensive cross-border investigation into crimes that affected thousands of victims across multiple continents.

Authorities stated that the suspect led a large-scale trafficking network responsible for the illegal movement of over 3,000 individuals, as well as the deaths of more than 100 victims and the sexual abuse of over 50 women.

The investigation has now been concluded, and the case has been formally transferred to the Ministry of Justice for prosecution.

The arrests mark the culmination of a coordinated international effort involving intelligence-sharing between Ethiopian authorities and the Regional Operational Centre in Support of the Khartoum Process, a regional mechanism focused on combating human trafficking and migrant smuggling in East Africa.

The primary suspect was apprehended during a targeted operation in Shire.

Investigators revealed that the alleged ringleader operated under multiple identities to evade law enforcement, using his real name alongside aliases such as Adhanom, Ahmed, Munir, and Kibrom across Africa and Europe.

Through advanced digital tracking and intelligence analysis, authorities identified more than 70 key traffickers connected to the network worldwide, leading to the arrest of ten principal suspects.

Financial investigations exposed the vast scale of the operation, with the trafficking syndicate reportedly controlling more than 3 billion Birr. A court order has been secured to freeze related bank accounts and seize assets linked to the network.

Police indicated that the group has been engaged in systematic abuse since 2018, targeting vulnerable youth from countries including Ethiopia, Sudan, Eritrea, Djibouti, Kenya, and Somalia.

Victims were trafficked to detention sites in Libya, where they were held for ransom under inhumane conditions.

Testimonies detail severe abuse, including beatings, burning with molten plastic, prolonged starvation, denial of medical care, and widespread sexual violence.

Authorities have collected statements from more than 100 victims and their families, both within Ethiopia and abroad.

Additional digital evidence and testimonies were obtained from survivors currently residing in Libya, Sudan, Belgium, the United Kingdom, Canada, Norway, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, and Switzerland, further strengthening the case.

The Ethiopian Federal Police acknowledged the support of national and international partners, including the Ministry of Justice, the National Intelligence and Security Service, and ROCK, in advancing the investigation.

The Federal Police also urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities through official channels, emphasizing that community cooperation remains vital in combating human trafficking networks.