Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (Running Africa) — Ethiopian authorities have arrested 17 suspects, including alleged ringleader Mohammed Tahir, also known as “Wordi,” in connection with a major international human trafficking network accused of smuggling more than 40,000 Ethiopian migrants to Saudi Arabia through Djibouti and Yemen.

The arrests follow a large-scale law enforcement operation targeting what investigators describe as one of the country’s most extensive human trafficking syndicates.

Police Allege Multi-Million-Dollar Smuggling Operation

According to Ethiopian police, the trafficking network generated more than 1 billion Ethiopian birr (approximately $6.1 million) through its illicit operations.

Authorities allege the suspects orchestrated the movement of thousands of migrants along the perilous Horn of Africa migration route, exploiting vulnerable people seeking employment opportunities in the Gulf.

Dozens of Migrants Reportedly Died

Investigators say the criminal network was responsible for the deaths of at least 60 migrants, while numerous women were allegedly subjected to sexual abuse during the trafficking process.

Police also accuse the group of operating detention warehouses in Yemen, where migrants were reportedly held captive, tortured and filmed in an effort to extort money from their families.

The allegations have not yet been tested in court.

15-Day Operation Leads to Arrests

The suspects were arrested during a 15-day security operation conducted in Addis Ababa and the eastern Ethiopian city of Harar.

Authorities said prosecutors have received extensive evidence, including witness testimonies from Ethiopia and Saudi Arabia, alongside documentary evidence gathered during the investigation.

The accused have not yet appeared before a court and have not publicly responded to the allegations.

Renewed Focus on Human Trafficking

The case highlights the continuing dangers faced by migrants travelling irregular routes from the Horn of Africa to the Middle East, where many hope to secure employment but instead become victims of trafficking, exploitation and abuse.

Human trafficking remains a major challenge across East Africa, with criminal networks exploiting conflict, poverty and unemployment to recruit and transport migrants across dangerous borders.

Ethiopian authorities say investigations are ongoing as they seek to dismantle the wider trafficking network and identify additional suspects involved in the cross-border operation.