Ethiopia: Corruption suspects left country

ESAT News (September 26, 2017)

Four suspects of corruption who own construction business and allegedly stole millions of dollars have left the country.

ESAT learnt that the four suspects, who have allegedly stole 86 million dollars, were charged in Addis Ababa last week.

The four suspects are Samuel Teklay, owner of Satcon Construction Plc., Gemshu Beyene, owner of Gemshu Construction, Daniel Mamo, owner of DMC Construction as well as Zakir Ahmed, owner of Hazi II General Construction and Trading.

The four suspects in collusion with the director of the Ethiopian Roads Authority, Zaid Woldegabriel, have allegedly embezzled over 86 million dollars. Woldegabriel is in jail awaiting trial.

The suspects are said to have close business ties with high ranking regime officials including the Prime Minister and they might have been tipped off to leave the country before the charges were brought to court, according to a source close to authorities in Addis Ababa. While other sources say the suspects were deliberately let go to cover up the crimes of regime officials who were partners in theft of millions of dollars.