Ethiopian authorities have dismantled a major human trafficking network accused of causing the deaths of more than 100 migrants. The operation followed a years-long investigation into a criminal syndicate operating across East Africa. Authorities say the arrests mark a significant breakthrough. However, they also warned that many suspects remain at large as investigations continue. 

Violence, torture and exploitation revealed 

According to officials, the recently exposed trafficking network was transnational and highly organized. Recruiting victims from multiple countries, including Ethiopia, Sudan and Eritrea, they then moved them along dangerous migration routes to Libya. 

Experts involved in the case told Info Migrants: 

Once the migrants found themselves stuck in Libya, the would-be migrants ‘were held hostage in warehouses’ by the ruthless group of traffickers who, according to police statements, would demand ‘large sums of money’ from their families — just to be spared from various methods of torture. 

The group is believed to have trafficked more than 3,000 people since 2018, targeting young migrants seeking to reach Europe. Overall, investigators linked the network to more than 100 deaths. Many of these occurred during detention or along the journey north toward the Mediterranean.  

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