Five Suspects and Government Vehicle Seized in Bahir Dar Kidnapping Ring

Bahir Dar City Police announced the arrest of five key suspects involved in a kidnapping ring that used a government vehicle to execute their crime. The gang abducted three local businesspersons in Kebele 14 while they were driving to work, holding them captive for 11 days. The victims were released only after their families paid a ransom totaling 3.37 million Birr. Among those arrested are Abraham Chane, an electronics shop owner identified as the main organizer, and Melese Getnet, a driver who utilized a government vehicle for the abduction. Police also detained a building administrator who harbored the victims for 170,000 Birr and collaborators involved in transferring ransom funds via bank accounts. Additionally, law enforcement seized one Makarov pistol, one Kalashnikov rifle, and the vehicle used in the crime. Bahir Dar Police urged public institutions to closely monitor assigned drivers and vehicles as investigations continue to arrest remaining suspects.