Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – April 30, 2025 — Shocking allegations have emerged against agents of Ethiopia’s National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS), with multiple sources reporting to Ambassador Media that some operatives have been targeting local and foreign investors through coercive tactics.
According to insider sources, these agents reportedly contact individuals with significant financial activities—particularly those involved in large bank transactions—and accuse them of engaging in illegal financial conduct. The accusations, sources say, are often baseless and serve as a pretext to demand bribes in exchange for dropping the alleged investigations.
Victims, speaking under anonymity due to fear of retaliation, describe threatening phone calls and pressure to comply quickly. “They said I was under investigation for suspicious transactions, and if I didn’t cooperate, they’d freeze my accounts and escalate the case,” said one businessman who claims to have been targeted.
In addition to financial extortion, NISS agents are being accused of widespread human rights violations, including unlawful surveillance, intimidation, arbitrary detention, and verbal threats. Multiple individuals allege that they were held without due process, denied legal representation, and subjected to psychological pressure in attempts to force payments or confessions. These actions, legal experts warn, contravene both Ethiopia’s constitution and international human rights treaties to which the country is a signatory.
More disturbingly, some sources allege that the extortion network extends beyond intelligence agents and includes certain government officials who either directly participate in or protect the scheme. These officials are said to facilitate or cover up illegal actions in exchange for a share of the illicit proceeds.
