The Federal First Instance Court in Addis Abeba has authorized federal prosecutors to press criminal charges against Clergyman Belay Mekonnen and two others involved in a failed attempt to fraudulently withdraw over $6 million from the African Union (AU) bank account at the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE). The fraudulent attempt was thwarted due to the vigilance and prompt response of CBE staff and the AU finance department, according to an official statement issued by the AU on Wednesday.
The incident, which occurred on April 15, involved a series of Payment Transfer Orders submitted to the CBE branch located within the AU Headquarters in Addis Abeba. These orders, which were made by an individual outside the AU’s employment, sought to redirect substantial funds for fake construction and water drilling projects, totaling over $6 million.
The investigating police accused Belay Mekonnen, the deputy general manager at the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahdo Church (EOTC) Patriarchate, along with Yared Fisseha and Dhaba Genana, of participating in a coordinated criminal scheme. On April 24, the court extended the remand of the suspects for further investigation, which has now been completed.
In today’s hearing, federal prosecutors confirmed receipt of the case files and requested a 15-day period to initiate formal criminal charges. They indicated that the indictment might include corruption charges, as the suspects used forged documents to attempt defrauding CBE. If convicted, they could face up to 10 years in prison.
Defense attorneys objected to the 15-day delay, arguing that the investigation was already concluded. They also questioned the prosecutors’ estimation of a 10-year prison term, given the absence of formal charges. The defense also contested the inclusion of corruption charges, asserting that the fraudulent document was submitted to a foreign company’s bank account and thus did not fall under Ethiopia’s anti-corruption laws.
While the second and third suspects face no direct accusation, prosecutors maintain they were co-conspirators in the alleged crime. After considering both sides, the court ruled to allow the 15-day extension and denied bail for the suspects, who remain in custody as prosecutors prepare to press charges.