Dec 10 , 2018
Judges at the First Instance Court Arada Division granted police a 14-day custody in the investigation of Alem Tefera, a well-known businessman suspected of money laundering, contraband and tax evasion. Alem was arrested last Tuesday and appeared before the court the next day on November 5, 2018, where investigators requested additional days to keep him in custody while they compile evidence to press charges against him. The investigator also requested the court deny him bail, stating that Alem can tamper with evidence and intimidate witnesses if released on bail. The judges of the Criminal Bench granted police the 14-day custody and adjourned the case to December 18, 2018. Alem owns a hotel in Dire Dawa, a garage in Akaki Kality district and a fuel depot around Qera.