A corruption suspect was apprehended while hiding in a hotel.
Authorities have confirmed the arrest of Mr. Tewodros Tsegaye, the head of the Land Development Office of Ledata Sub-city in Addis Ababa, who was wanted on corruption charges. He was found hiding at Skylight Hotel.
Mr. Tsegaye is accused of exploiting the Corridor Development project for personal gain, negotiating outside of government procedures, and illegally transferring public land to private individuals in exchange for compensation.
It is reported that the suspect had been evading arrest by spreading false information that he had left the country, in an attempt to obstruct the legal process.
While in office, Mr. Tsegaye allegedly conspired with the owner of a building known as “Wild Apartment” to demolish six residential homes and a commercial property, which were not part of the Corridor Development Plan, in District 4 of Ledata Sub-city. The land was then used for the expansion of the apartment building.
Residents of government-owned homes were forcibly relocated without proper compensation or assistance for moving expenses. According to information from the Addis Ababa Communication Office, the city’s Anti-Corruption Task Force revealed that Mr. Tsegaye repeatedly misled the public through various fraudulent activities.