Ethiopian Federal Police Dismantle Major Human Trafficking Network, Forward Investigation to Ministry of Justice
The Ethiopian Federal Police have concluded a major investigation into a sprawling criminal network accused of trafficking over 40,000 people, announcing that the case file has been formally submitted to the Ministry of Justice for prosecution. The investigation details a litany of crimes, including the deaths of more than 60 victims, systematic sexual violence, and the extortion of over one billion Ethiopian Birr.
Addis Ababa, July 21, 2026 — The Ethiopian Federal Police announced today that it has forwarded the completed investigation file of 17 suspected members of an organized human trafficking network to the Ministry of Justice . The suspects are alleged to be part of a large-scale criminal enterprise led by Mohamed Tahir Aden, also known as “Werdi,” accused of smuggling more than 40,000 Ethiopians to Saudi Arabia via the perilous Eastern Route through Djibouti and Yemen .
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According to the Federal Police, the investigation, supported by extensive human and documentary evidence, established that the suspects formed an organized criminal group and played key roles in a sophisticated trafficking operation . The network is accused of using brokers to recruit victims from various parts of Ethiopia, luring them with false promises of a better life and secure entry into Saudi Arabia through Yemen .
A Systematic Pattern of Abuse and Extortion
The investigation uncovered the horrific treatment endured by victims. After being transported across the eastern border and into Yemen, the Federal Police state that victims were confined in warehouses, where they were subjected to severe physical and psychological abuse . The suspects allegedly held victims hostage, demanding large ransoms from their families . Police investigators found that traffickers beat and tortured victims who could not pay, recording the abuse and sending the footage to their relatives to exert extreme pressure .
The scale of the criminal operation is staggering. Investigators determined that the suspects collected more than one billion Birr from victims, facilitated the illegal travel of over 40,000 people, and are responsible for the deaths of more than 60 individuals . The police also confirmed that several women were subjected to sexual violence during their ordeal .
Financial Investigations and Asset Seizure
The Federal Police confirmed that a financial investigation revealed the suspects used the proceeds from their trafficking activities to acquire significant movable and immovable properties, both within Ethiopia and abroad . As a result, assets linked to the suspects, including a house, vehicles, and monetary funds, have been frozen . The investigation has been completed on charges including human trafficking, illegal money transfers, and money laundering .
Collaborative Effort and Public Appeal
The Ethiopian Federal Police acknowledged the collaborative efforts of the Ministry of Justice, the National Intelligence and Security Service, and other relevant stakeholders in this complex investigation . The police expressed their appreciation for the cooperation of individuals and institutions that contributed to the arrests.
In a call to action, the Federal Police urged the public to continue supporting the fight against human trafficking by providing information through official channels, including the EFPApp Citizen Participation Application, the toll-free hotline 991, and the Unmanned Police Station (SPS) . This case marks a significant step in Ethiopia’s efforts to dismantle the criminal networks that exploit vulnerable citizens seeking a better life abroad.
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