22 March 2024
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – Authorities in Addis Ababa have arrested a suspect for allegedly forging medical board documents from Black Lion Hospital to facilitate human trafficking.
The suspect, identified as Getu Degen Wolde Ergai, was reportedly an employee at Black Lion Hospital. According to the federal police, Ergai is accused of creating fake documents indicating approval from the hospital board to send Ethiopians abroad for medical treatment, enabling them to travel illegally.
The investigation revealed that Ergai would vouch for the authenticity of these fabricated documents when contacted by embassies verifying their legitimacy. He would further use these documents to pressure banks into approving foreign currency exchange for the fictitious patients.
The Federal Police apprehended Ergai on March 10, 2024, and have since been conducting a thorough investigation. A court-sanctioned search of Ergai’s office yielded various header stamps seemingly forged from different organizations and individuals, serving as potential evidence.
The authorities highlighted a concerning rise in such criminal activities. They acknowledged public outrage surrounding these acts and urged citizens to fulfill their civic duty by reporting any suspicious activity to the authorities.
