NISS ของเอธิโอเปียปราบปรามการฉ้อโกงทางการเงิน
Ethiopia’s National Intelligence and Security Service launched a major crackdown on financial crimes across the country. The agency has arrested 112 people, and 8 of them are Chinese nationals. Authorities report that the crime is worth over $50 million. The nationwide operation aims to disrupt illegal forex trading and other financial schemes that continue to threaten Ethiopia’s economy.
Reports confirm that the NISS has intensified its surveillance on suspicious banking activities. The agency, also known as Ethiopia’s National Intelligence and Security Service, has taken firm steps to stop criminal groups exploiting weaknesses in the financial system.
Major arrests and seized assets
Authorities have revealed the scale of the operation. According to officials, Ethiopian authorities have frozen 519 bank accounts and seized forged documents, digital devices and foreign currencies linked to the scheme. The move aims to reduce money laundering incidents and several ongoing fraudulent activities.
Officials believe these networks rely on banks to launder money and exchange foreign currency illegally. Foreign exchange remains a significant concern in Ethiopia because of its black market. In this market, currency traders exchange US Dollars, Euros and other currencies for higher amounts, allowing buyers to acquire the Ethiopian birr at inflated rates.
Impact on Ethiopia’s financial system
Authorities say this practice harms the national economy. Banks lose revenue because the black market offers attractive rates outside regulated systems. The African Diaspora news channel continues, “So because of that, the banks are losing out on money, especially the national bank, hence the government is impacted.” This situation has forced the government to intensify its fight against illegal foreign exchange activities.
The involvement of foreign nationals has raised new concerns among citizens. The African Diaspora news channel states, “Hence, there has been a huge crackdown when it comes to foreign exchange in Ethiopia, and it is interesting that the Chinese were involved, including the 8 Chinese nationals arrested in association with the most recent scheme. It makes you wonder how many of Africa’s fraudulent issues are connected with these foreigners?”
Crackdowns beyond Ethiopia
The issue is not limited to Ethiopia. Other African countries have reported similar incidents. Nigeria recently deported several foreign nationals involved in criminal schemes. Reports confirm that Nigeria deported 192 foreign nationals, who are scammers. Out of those 192 nationals, 50 of them were Chinese nationals, and these individuals were using Nigeria as a base for their cybercrime operations and using the name of Nigeria and its people.
These actions highlight the growing international scope of fraud networks operating across Africa. Criminal groups often seek weak regulatory environments to support their illegal activities.
Strengthening enforcement and sending a clear message
Authorities emphasise that these crackdowns send a strong message. “These crackdowns are extremely important because they send a message not just to the ones. Those who are getting arrested and deported send a message to others who are actively working in these crime organisations that there are severe consequences for such notorious actions.”
Many operatives previously avoided punishment through bribery or intimidation. This pattern created a sense of immunity among offenders. This recent crackdown challenges this belief and signals a more assertive regulatory stance.
The crackdown in Ethiopia is “a great example of sending a message to the culprits behind fraudulent and money laundering activities, while using African countries to clean their money and to scam.”
Ethiopia’s actions demonstrate a renewed commitment to financial integrity. The government continues to strengthen enforcement to protect the economy from illegal networks.
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