The Federal Attorney General has announced that the government recovered or secured more than Birr 2.29 billion during the 2025/26 fiscal year through court decisions, settlements, negotiations and other asset recovery measures targeting illegally acquired wealth.

According to the Attorney General, courts ordered the confiscation of more than Birr 1.24 billion and USD 879,600 during the fiscal year following proceedings involving illegally acquired assets.

Of the Birr 1.24 billion awarded through court decisions, approximately Birr 731.37 million has already been transferred to the government treasury.

Solomon Haile, Deputy Director of Asset Recovery at the Federal Attorney General's Office, said courts also ordered the confiscation of several properties, including one vehicle, one house, one piece of machinery, 11 shops and three villas.

The Attorney General also recovered Birr 250.42 million through negotiations involving 22 cases in which criminal proceedings could not be continued for various reasons. The negotiations were conducted under powers provided by the country's asset recovery legislation.

In addition, the government avoided an estimated Birr 217 million in payments from the public treasury as a result of outcomes in civil litigation.

According to Solomon, the combined financial benefit secured for the government through court rulings, agreements and negotiations during the 2025/26 fiscal year amounted to approximately Birr 2.29 billion.

The Attorney General has also expanded investigations into assets of unexplained origin following the introduction of the country's asset recovery proclamation. The investigations include assets held by individuals outside government employment.

Approximately 78 files involving assets of unexplained origin were opened during the 2025/26 fiscal year, with investigations under the new legal framework currently underway.

Source: Sheger FM 102.1