Ethiopian police have arrested Yetbarek Dawit, the alleged mastermind behind a multi-million-dollar international human trafficking ring.
Dawit, who operated under various aliases, is accused of luring thousands of people to Libya, where they were tortured and forced to pay ransoms to their families.
The police say Dawit and his accomplices, nine of whom were also arrested, ran five detention warehouses in Libya, subjecting migrants to extreme torture, including beatings, chaining, and sexual violence.
Over 100 people are believed to have died, and more than 50 women were sexually abused.
The investigation, aided by the Regional Operational Centre and funded by the European Union, tracked Dawit using advanced technology and testimonies from victims and their families.
His bank accounts have been frozen, and his properties confiscated. The group allegedly generated over $19m through these activities.
