Officials and heads of security structures involved in illegal gold production, trade, and trafficking arrested.
Bahir Dar, June 26, 2023 (AMECO) -The National Intelligence and Security Service of Ethiopia declared the arrest of 32 government officials and security structure leaders, producers, and traffickers involved in illegal gold manufacturing, dealing, and circulation.
According to the office, the arrested individuals were illicitly producing gold, carrying out criminal activities detrimental to the interests of the nation by illicit trade, selling on the black market, and forming beneficial acquaintances with citizens of other countries.
The office disclosed that eight of the 32 arrestees are government and security employees, seven are producers working illegally under the guise of a legitimate license, and 17 are traffickers and criminals.
According to the statement, the National Intelligence and Security Service, along with the Defense Forces, Federal Police, and State Police Commissions, are working to track illegals in line with the National Council’s directive, which was established to prevent illegal mineral production operations.
Twenty nine foreigners were arrested 15 days ago for illegal gold production and selling in the Benishangul Gumz region, According to the report.
