Addis Ababa: Ethiopia’s Federal Police Commission disclosed that it has been working closely with both domestic and international partners as well as intensifying legal action to hold human traffickers accountable.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, Deputy Commissioner General of Federal Police Commission, Zelalem Mengiste, human trafficking has been becoming a highly organized and networked cross-border crime. The deputy commissioner noted that human trafficking has severe consequences, including numerous deaths and injuries. To address this transboundary crime, Zelalem emphasized the need for maximizing concerted efforts.
Zelalem stated that the human trafficking networks originating from Ethiopia would pass through many international routes, including South Africa, Brazil, Bangkok, Myanmar, and Vietnam. Efforts are being reinforced in collaboration with stakeholders to enable persons to move only through legal means and avoid illegal migration, he pointed out.
Individuals involved in trafficking persons, deporting, and smuggling individuals between Ethiopia, Yemen, Libya, and Europe are being apprehended in collaboration with countries and Interpol. Zelalem revealed that 88 cases on suspects of trafficking have been filed in the past six months. Finally, individuals, mainly illegal brokers engaged in cybercrime, have been apprehended, he said.