Ethiopian authorities have dismantled a large international human trafficking network following a multi year investigation.
Police confirmed the arrest of alleged ringleader Yitbarek Dawit Alemu along with nine key accomplices during operations conducted between April 6 and April 8.
Alemu was captured in Shire in the Tigray region where he had been operating under multiple aliases to evade detection.
Authorities said the network operated across Sudan Djibouti Somalia and Kenya extending into Europe including Sweden.
Investigations show the syndicate trafficked more than 3000 people since 2018 with over 100 deaths linked to its activities.
At least 50 women were subjected to sexual violence in facilities run by the group.
Financial probes revealed illicit transactions exceeding three billion Ethiopian birr or about 20 million dollars.
Courts have ordered the freezing of bank accounts and seizure of assets linked to the suspects.
The operation involved international cooperation including intelligence sharing through Interpol supported initiatives.
Testimonies from more than 100 victims across multiple countries helped identify key members of the network.
Authorities say more than 70 traffickers have been identified many of whom remain at large.
The case has been transferred to prosecutors as efforts continue to locate remaining suspects.
Officials say the operation highlights the importance of global cooperation in combating trafficking networks.
