Ethiopia: Ethiopian Govt Cracks Down On Corrupt Officials, Businesspersons

What the report says

Ethiopia’s government says it has launched a broad crackdown on corruption, illegal trade and other economic offenses that officials say are undermining the country’s macroeconomic reform agenda. The briefing was given in Addis Ababa by Government Communication Service Minister Enatalem Melese, according to the Ethiopian News Agency report distributed by AllAfrica.

The minister said the measures target individuals, organizations and networks accused of activities such as contraband trade, black-market currency dealing, illegal money transfers, tax evasion and the artificial withholding of essential goods. She said authorities have acted across several sectors, including business, public enterprises, government offices, mining, fuel distribution, agriculture, banking, overseas employment and revenue collection.

Among the actions described were warnings to 13 supplier organizations, the sealing of more than 7,000 business establishments and warehouses, and legal steps against 169 Ethiopian and foreign nationals linked to illicit financial transfers. The report also said 36 people were arrested in a case involving fraudulent withdrawals from Commercial Bank of Ethiopia accounts, while seven cryptocurrency applications were blocked. Officials were also said to have taken action against exporters who did not bring foreign currency earnings back into the country, betting firms accused of hiding revenue, and people involved in illegal gold trading, fuel schemes and human trafficking.

The government said the operations aim to restore accountability and support reform, while urging citizens to report corruption and avoid bribery. For context, Ethiopia has faced recurring pressure from inflation, foreign-currency shortages and supply-chain disruptions, making enforcement against economic crime politically and economically significant.