In a major victory for global efforts to combat people smuggling, a notorious kingpin has been arrested in Sudan thanks to the efforts of the United Arab Emirates’ police force and the INTERPOL.. The arrest was made based on information shared by INTERPOL, and marks the culmination of a long investigation that began in 2019. The individual in question, Kidane Zekarias Habtemariam, was the subject of two INTERPOL Red Notices for crimes including migrant smuggling, human trafficking, and heading a criminal organization involved in the kidnapping, extortion, and murder of East African migrants.
Habtemariam is a Eritrean national who is believed to have smuggled and trafficked thousands of victims. In March 2022, a task force meeting was held with representatives from Ethiopia, Sudan, the Netherlands, the UAE, Europol, and the Regional Operational Centre in support of the Khartoum process and the African Union Horn of Africa Initiative. This collaboration led to the identification of money laundering activities and Habtemariam’s location in Sudan.
The arrest of Habtemariam will have a significant impact on a major smuggling route to Europe and will protect many more people from being exploited by his criminal organization. It is a testament to the effectiveness of international cooperation in the fight against people smuggling, and serves as a reminder of the importance of working together to bring these criminals to justice.
Speaking about the arrest, Brigadier Saeed Abdullah al Suwaidi, Director General of the Federal Anti-Narcotics General Directorate of the UAE’s Ministry of Interior, said: “Thanks to the professionalism and dedication of our police officers, the world’s most wanted human trafficker will no longer be able to commit his despicable actions. The UAE will continue to deploy our full operational capabilities to protect vulnerable communities from this horrific exploitation.”
Stefan Schrander, Warrant Officer, Royal Netherlands Marechaussee welcomed the arrest, adding that he had been on the Dutch National Most Wanted List since October 2021. “The Royal Marechaussee is grateful for the effective cooperation in this investigation with various countries coordinated through INTERPOL.
“This successful cooperation has already resulted in the extradition by Ethiopia last year of a close associate of his and is now followed by a major arrest. He will have to face justice for his criminal activities, including the smuggling of thousands of victims under degrading and violent conditions,” concluded Mr Kolkman.
Demelash Gebremichael, Commissioner General of the Ethiopian Federal Police recognized the efforts of officers who worked day and night to follow up on leads generated by the task force: “This tremendous effort has led to the arrest of an international criminal sentenced to life in prison in Ethiopia. It is a notable success.”
Stephen Kavanagh, INTERPOL Executive Director of Police Services added: “This is a testament to the INTERPOL network and what can be achieved when countries work together. In today’s world, it is quite simply the only way to stop criminals whose repeated cruelty strips people of their dignity.
“More than ever, we are committed to identifying all of the members in this smuggling ring, and any others that viciously exploit people seeking a better life,” said Mr Kavanagh.
More arrests are expected as part of ongoing investigations and as coordination continues with several INTERPOL member countries.
