Eight individuals have been convicted of organizing illegal associations and engaging in fraudulent activities relating to the distribution of cement in the name of Shimelis Abdisa, the President of the Oromia Regional State in Ethiopia. The individuals prepared false documents and established an illicit cement distribution association that embezzled over 29 million birr.
Convicted Individuals Receive Prison Sentences and Fines
As a result, the convicted individuals, who include civil servants and private citizens, were sentenced to imprisonment and fines ranging from one and a half to 20 years in prison and up to 200,000 Birr in fines.
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Establishment of Illicit Cement Distribution Association
The criminals established the Milki Cement Distribution Enterprise, which was presented to the community as a legitimate enterprise affiliated with President Shimelis. However, Mr. Addisu Angasa was neither Shimelis’ brother nor a member of any officially recognized cement distribution association.
Embezzlement of Over 29 Million Birr
Moreover, Mr. Addisu Angasa is said to have used his brother, Mr. Tadala, to run the illicit organization and embezzle up to 29 million birr, thereby defrauding the government of over five million birr in revenue from the cement business. Additionally, Mr. Warquu Caalaa, a former Deputy Head of the Oromia Bureau of Commerce, was also implicated in the scheme.
Investigations into Alleged Involvement of High-Ranking Officials
The convictions have prompted investigations into the alleged involvement of high-ranking officials of the Oromia Regional State government, including President Shimelis, in illicit cement distribution. Hangasa Ibrahim, a member of the federal parliament, has accused several officials of involvement in the illegal trade, leading to the Oromia Prosperity Party to initiate investigations. Consequently, the license of the Milkii Cement Distribution Association has been revoked and 8,000 quintals of cement confiscated.
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The criminals established the Milki Cement Distribution Enterprise, which was presented to the community as a legitimate enterprise affiliated with President Shimelis. Mr. Addisu Angasa, the first accused, falsely claimed to be President Shimelis’ brother and claimed he was passing the revenue from the cement sales to President Shimelis.
The convicted individuals, who include civil servants and private citizens, were sentenced to imprisonment and fines ranging from one and a half to 20 years in prison and up to 200,000 Birr in fines.
Mr. Addisu Angasa is said to have used his brother, Mr. Tadala, to run the illicit organization and embezzle up to 29 million birr, thereby defrauding the government of over five million birr in revenue from the cement business. Mr. Warquu Caalaa, a former Deputy Head of the Oromia Bureau of Commerce, was also implicated in the scheme.
