23 March 2008
Addis Ababa — The federal court denied bail on Friday for 27 suspects in a $17 million fake gold scandal at the country's central bank.
The National Bank of Ethiopia was ordered to check all its gold deposits last week after a consignment of bars shipped to South Africa were found to include gold-plated steel.
In his report to the parliament last week, Prime Minister Meles Zenawi said police were investigating allegations that fake gold had been sold to the National Bank of Ethiopia, Meles said. Suspects had been arrested and would appear in court soon.
He said there were people thought to be accomplices from the inistry of Mines, which certifies the authenticity of the gold, business people and bankers suspected of playing a leading role in who hs said were in custody.
"The charge is too complex and involves a number of people in a criminal case that requires more time to investigate," the court said in its ruling.
"We have decided the suspects should remain in custody for a further 15 days. The case is adjourned until April 7." The accused, who include 11 bank employees, were brought to the courtroom by armed police.
Thousands of artisanal miners in south and southeast Ethiopia extract alluvial gold, which is supposed to be checked by the Geological Survey before it is sold to the National Bank. whilst still getting over our serious messages about how to look after your sexual health."
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