Federal prosecutors file 31 criminal charges against a six-person transnational human trafficking syndicate following a joint operation between Ethiopian and Emirati law enforcement
By Staff Writer
(Nairobi, Kenya) — Federal prosecutors at the Ministry of Justice have filed 31 criminal charges against six primary suspects involved in an alleged major transnational human trafficking syndicate, following an international police operation led by the Ethiopian Federal Police.
The suspects, led by ringleader Dawud Teferi Legesse, face formal charges under Article 32 of the Criminal Code and Article 11 of Proclamation No. 1178/2020, which governs the prevention and control of human trafficking and illegal border crossings.
The filings follow a joint law enforcement operation between the Ethiopian Federal Police and the Dubai Police in the United Arab Emirates, which resulted in the July 18, 2026 detention of key suspects operating abroad.
Federal authorities confirmed that co-conspirator Desta Tegeni Abegaz was successfully extradited from Dubai to Addis Ababa and remains under active investigation in a separate criminal file. Meanwhile, domestic accomplices Bizuayehu Aguchew Behaylu, Ihrhamet Abebe Eshete, and Eyasu Ayele Habte were taken into custody within Ethiopia. Prosecutors filed charges in absentia against two additional ring members, Ikram Mohammed Ayalew and Admasu Teferi Legesse.
Police investigators compiled extensive human and documentary evidence detailing systemic abuses, physical violence, and extortion committed against Ethiopian migrants attempting illegal transit routes.
Reaffirming its mandate to dismantle transnational criminal networks, the Ethiopian Federal Police stated it will expand joint operations with Interpol and regional partner agencies to apprehend wanted fugitives, human traffickers, and terrorist operatives across foreign jurisdictions.
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