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Toronto – The African Union this week confirmed an attempt to fraudulently withdraw $6 million from its Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE) account. It happened on April 15 at the CBE branch within the premises of the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa.
Kesis Belay Mekonnen, A pro-Abiy Ahmed clergyman who holds a senior position within the Patriarchate of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, was caught red-handed. The Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church issued a statement days after Kesis Belay was arrested saying what Kesis Belay did had nothing to do with the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church. It is a personal thing that he was involved in. He is currently in custody and police this week finalized the investigation. When he appeared in court last week, he said he was “cheated by individuals” to be involved in fraudulent activity.
“We commend the vigilance and swift action of the CBE staff and our finance department who successfully thwarted the fraudulent attempt resulting in no funds being withdrawn, averting a potential loss and ensuring that the integrity of our financial controls and management remain intact,” said the statement issued by the African Union on Tuesday.
The full statement from the African Union is featured below :
“Official Statement on the Attempted Fraud on African Union Bank Accounts
The African Union (AU) wishes to address the recent reports of an attempted fraudulent attempt to unlawfully withdraw funds from our accounts held at the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE).
First and foremost, we commend the vigilance and swift action of the CBE staff and our finance department who successfully thwarted the fraudulent attempt resulting in no funds being withdrawn, averting a potential loss and ensuring that the integrity of our financial controls and management remain intact.
This incident which took place on 15 April 2024, wherein a series of Payment Transfer Orders were submitted to the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia, at their Branch located within the African Union Headquarters, in Addis Ababa. The Payment Transfer Orders were submitted by an individual who is not an employee of the African Union. These orders designated substantial funds to various recipients under the premise of construction and water drilling works, amounting to over US Dollars 6 million.
A meticulous inspection of the documents by the Finance Directorate of the African Union Commission, identified them as clear forgeries, prompting swift action to mitigate any potential financial loss for the African Union. In addition, the relevant security authorities of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia were informed, and prompt action was taken to ensure the person(s) involved were identified and held in line with their investigative procedures.
The AU is treating this matter with utmost seriousness. While it is disconcerting that such an attempt was made, the insights into potential vulnerabilities provided has led to a review of the security measures in place and we are working closely with the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia to reinforce safeguards and implement enhanced protocols to ensure that fraudulent attempts to compromise the finances of the AU are prevented.
We remain committed to upholding the highest standards of financial governance and ethics internally and with all our financial services providers as we continue to support the development and integration of our continent.
The African Union Commission wishes to express its sincere gratitude to the leadership of the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia and the Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia for their timely intervention and support in this matter.
Directorate of Information and Communication | African Union Commission, E-mail: DIC@african-union.org “
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My Dear Horn of Africans,
I know we are tied with the politics of the region which is understandable. But there is a disaster of historic proportion is afoot for East African brothers in Tanzania. There is a very violent hurricane is heading to its eastern shores with metropolitan Dar Es Salaam in its cross hairs. It will then move inland from there and its outer bands can devastate Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi, Uganda and even our old country. Let’s all pray that the hurricane will weaken and dissipate before it makes landfall. I have watching this storm for a week now. So far more than 250 people have died from just torrential rain that drenched Tanzania and Kenya last week. All these countries have been sitting on their laurels for not being prepared for such natural disasters. Can you tell me any one of the Horn of Africa countries that has meaningful preparedness for major earthquake? None of them, right? But they are sitting on an active tectonic plate. It gives me the willies thinking if a shallow earthquake of 5.5 or higher scale hits major cities like Addis/Finfine, Asmara, Dire Dawa and Djibouti or any other major cities. A countryman once told me earthquake used to be considered in issuing building permits in the capital during the late Emperor’s time. But once commies and their offshoots began ruling the country that was sandbagged and ‘Workers of The world Unite’ and ethnic politics have been all the rage. They took over the mantle of running the country and they have doing every thing in their demonic arsenal to run that gem of the colored to the ground
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There have been lot fraudulent and financial swindling activies going in Ethiopia for years even during t the TPLF clique but this incidents looks bizarre to say the least. Why a religous Kes and and Church member even involve in such unethical and and brazen theft? It mus hhave been bigger scam with multiple and sophisticated players and the poor clergy man was used knowingly or unknowingly as a sacrificial lamb and frontal decoy.