The Ethiopian Federal Police have successfully apprehended Yitbarek Dawit Alemu, a notorious human trafficker wanted by international law enforcement for orchestrating a sprawling criminal network. Operating under various aliases including “Kibrom,” “Munir,” and “Adhanom,” Yitbarek was arrested in Shire, Tigray region, alongside nine of his primary accomplices. This operation marks the conclusion of a high-stakes investigation into a syndicate responsible for the exploitation of thousands of migrants across East Africa and Europe.
According to federal investigators, Yitbarek’s network was responsible for the illegal trafficking of over 3,000 individuals since 2018. The group’s activities have been linked to devastating humanitarian outcomes, including the confirmed deaths of over 100 migrants and the sexual assault of at least 50 women. The syndicate reportedly recruited victims from Ethiopia, Sudan, Eritrea, Djibouti, Kenya, and Somalia, promising passage to Europe but often leading them into captivity in specialized warehouses located throughout Libya.
The breakthrough in the case was facilitated by a strategic partnership between the Ethiopian Federal Police and the Regional Operational Centre in support of the Khartoum Process (ROCK). This international collaboration allowed for the seamless exchange of intelligence regarding the suspect’s movements and his use of multiple fraudulent identities. Police revealed that Yitbarek utilized different names across various jurisdictions—such as “Munir” in Kenya and Djibouti, and “Kibrom” in Sweden—to evade detection by border authorities and global law enforcement.
Beyond the physical human toll, the investigation uncovered a massive financial infrastructure supporting the trafficking operations. Police estimates suggest the syndicate moved more than 3 billion Birr through illicit channels. In response, the Ethiopian Federal Police have successfully petitioned the courts to freeze the bank accounts and assets of the suspects, ensuring that the wealth amassed through criminal exploitation remains inaccessible while legal proceedings continue.
Evidence gathering for the prosecution involved a massive logistical effort, featuring testimony from over 100 victims and their families. Leveraging modern communication technology, investigators secured statements from 16 survivors currently residing in countries such as Belgium, the United Kingdom, Canada, the Netherlands, and Switzerland. This digital evidence confirms the existence of five specific “holding warehouses” in Libya where victims were subjected to physical torture and psychological trauma while being held for ransom.
In a concluding statement, the Ethiopian Federal Police emphasized their commitment to dismantling trans-border criminal enterprises through advanced forensic technology and international treaties. They urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities via the EFPApp or the 991 emergency line. The case file for Yitbarek and his associates has now been formally transferred to the Ministry of Justice for prosecution, signaling a significant victory for regional security and human rights.