Crackdown Expands on Corruption, Economic Crimes as Gov’t Moves to Safeguard Reforms – GCS

Addis Ababa, August 6, 2026 (FMC) — The Ethiopian government has announced firm measures against corruption, illegal activities, and organized economic crimes allegedly undermining the country’s ongoing macroeconomic reform efforts.

Speaking at a press briefing today, Government Communication Service Minister Ms. Enatalem Meles said Ethiopia has registered significant development achievements in recent years, but corruption and illegal practices remain major challenges affecting the country’s progress.

She said organized actors operating within and outside the country have attempted to exploit financial and trade systems, contributing to foreign currency shortages, inflationary pressures, smuggling, and artificial shortages of essential goods.

Ms. Enatalem Meles said the government and law enforcement institutions have carried out extensive operations to dismantle such activities and ensure accountability.

The Government Communication Service said enforcement measures have been taken across trade, finance, mining, fuel, agriculture, energy, labor migration, and revenue sectors.

More than 7,000 businesses and warehouses involved in illegal activities were sealed, while owners of 13 supplier companies accused of hoarding essential goods to create shortages and raise prices were warned.

In the financial sector, 169 Ethiopian and foreign nationals accused of illegal money transfers, informal remittance activities, and black-market dealings faced legal measures. Thirty-six individuals accused of bank fraud were arrested, seven cryptocurrency applications linked to illegal transactions were blocked, and 29 exporters were held accountable for failing to return foreign currency earnings.

The government also said action was taken against 38 betting companies accused of tax evasion, concealing income, and illegal financial transactions.

In the mining sector, 183 individuals, including officials, security personnel, producers, and foreign nationals, faced legal action over alleged illegal gold trading and smuggling. Seized items included illegal gold, gold processing equipment, foreign currencies, and firearms.

The statement further said more than 650 individuals, fuel stations, and supplier companies involved in illegal fuel trading faced legal measures, while officials accused of corruption in fertilizer procurement, electricity supply, labor migration, and revenue administration were also held accountable.

In revenue and customs, 109 suspects were identified for alleged tax-related fraud and manipulation of government systems, with 91 placed under legal custody.

Ms. Enatalem Meles said the government remains committed to fighting corruption and theft through modern systems, stronger institutions, and disciplined leadership. She called on the public to support the efforts by reporting corruption, avoiding bribery, and rejecting cooperation with illegal actors.