[Key Points]
• In Addis Ababa, a Japanese national was the victim of a theft incident involving a police officer.
• Avoid using public transportation such as trains and shared buses as much as possible.
• When subjected to a police officer’s inspection of your belongings, keep a close eye on them and, if possible, record the situation.
• Theft and robbery incidents targeting smartphones and other valuables occur at all hours.
• Avoid walking, especially in the early morning and at night.
• If you fall victim to a crime, please contact the Japanese Embassy immediately.
[Main Text]
1. In Addis Ababa, a Japanese national was involved in a theft incident as follows:
(1) Date and Time:
Around 12:00 PM on Monday, August 26th
(2) Location:
Near Getfam Hotel on Haile Gebre Silase Street in the Bole District, at a train station.
(3) Summary of the Incident:
Four Japanese nationals visited the station to board a train when they were stopped by multiple police officers and subjected to an inspection of their belongings. The police officers formed a circle around the cash the Japanese nationals were carrying, counting and verifying the amount in a way that obstructed their view. After the verification, the police officers insisted that the Japanese nationals accompany them to the police station for further investigation. The Japanese nationals complied, and the cash remained in the possession of the police officers during the transfer to the station.
After questioning at the police station, the officers again checked the amount and number of bills, pretending to return the cash to the Japanese nationals. However, one of the officers had removed $200 USD from the cash belonging to the Japanese nationals. When they demanded the return of the money on the spot, the police refused and insisted they come back the next day. Even after visiting the police station the following day for further discussions, the $200 USD was not returned. The suspect police officer has since been arrested.
2. To Avoid Becoming a Victim of Crime:
(1) Foreigners rarely use trains and shared buses, making them more susceptible to theft. Therefore, avoid using these public transport systems as much as possible. Additionally, police officers are stationed at train stations, increasing the likelihood of being subjected to inspections.
(2) Resisting inspections by police officers may result in arrest, so please comply with their instructions. However, keep a close watch on the officers during the inspection, consider photographing the situation, and take preventive measures such as photographing the number of bills before handing over the cash.
(3) When going out, avoid carrying foreign currency or other valuables as much as possible.
(4) In Addis Ababa, theft (pickpocketing and snatching) and robbery are prevalent regardless of the time of day. Foreigners, like Ethiopians, can always be targets. Always be aware of this when walking, and avoid walking in the early morning and at night.
(5) Theft (pickpocketing and snatching) incidents often involve distracting the victim by grabbing their arm, throwing water or spitting on them, or persistently trying to sell something while stealing valuables. If it is evident that you are carrying a mobile phone and it is not secured, you will be targeted. Attach chains or straps to valuables like wallets and mobile phones, securing them to your clothing or body.
(6) Always remain vigilant, and if you notice suspicious persons approaching or sense something unusual, leave the area immediately and seek help from nearby police officers or people in simple, understandable terms.
(7) If the perpetrator is armed with a firearm or knife and threatens you, prioritize your safety and comply without resistance.
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