Kidane Zekarias Habtemariam
Kidane Zekarias Habtemariam is an Eritrean human trafficker. He was wanted for large-scale human trafficking of people from Africa to Europe.[1] He is described as "one of the world's most notorious and most brutal human traffickers".[2][3]
Kidane Zekarias Habtemariam | |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Eritrean |
| Occupation | human trafficker |
| Known for | Human Trafficking |
Habtemariam smuggled migrants from Eritrea, Ethiopia, Somalia and Sudan, through Libya to Europe. Victims faced aggravated beatings, kidnappings and rapings.[2] The man is said to have earned as much money as possible of migrants. He operated a warehouse - Bani Walid in Libya.[3] According to the Dutch Public Prosecution Service he led an 'extremely violent criminal organization'.[2]
Habtemariam worked with another human trafficker, Tewelde Goitom.[3]
In 2020 Habtemariam was arrested in Ethiopia. In 2021 he escaped custody. He was later sentenced in absentia to life in prison.[3] The United Arab Emirates tracked him down in a money laundering investigation.[2] He was arrested on 1 January 2023 in Sudan.[1]
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Beruchte mensensmokkelaar uit Eritrea aangehouden". RTL Nieuws (in Nederlands). 5 January 2023. Retrieved 5 January 2023.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 "Beruchte door Nederland gezochte mensensmokkelaar uit Eritrea aangehouden". De Telegraaf (in Nederlands). 5 January 2023. Retrieved 5 January 2023.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 "World's 'most wanted people smuggler' arrested in Sudan". Al Jazeera. 5 January 2023. Retrieved 5 January 2023.