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American investor defrauded in Ethiopia

Posted on , Updated on by Elias Kifle

By Sara Castaldini

In its February 2008 newsletter, VEGA (Volunteers for Economic Growth Alliance) announced a business project in Ethiopia supported by USAID (paid for by American tax payers). According to the newsletter (PAGE 3), VEGA initiated the first joint venture factory between an American investor (Victor Ozeri) and a local Ethiopian business woman (Lily Bertu). The two were introduced by Addis Alemayehou, Chief of Party (COP) of the VEGA Ethiopia project.

What happened next is truly scandalous and shameful. Lily Betru, who brags to foreigners that she is the best friend of the first lady of Ethiopia and a close friend of the Prime Minister, proved to the unsuspecting American businessman that she is also above the law. Within 4 short months, she orchestrated a vile accusation against the successful and respected businessman, used a her 28-year old son to physically attack and intimidate him, bribed a police man to put him in an Ethiopian jail, and finally managed to chased him out of Ethiopia without his money.

Mr. Ozeri, 55, a native New Yorker and the father of three children, who had just sold two companies doing a combined sales of $100 Million U.S. Dollars annually before moving to Africa to start his new venture, was robbed of his Ethiopian investment in daylight.

Below is Mr. Ozeri’s letter to the public and the media. You may contact him directly at 917-5961982.

– – – – – –

Dear Friends of Ethiopia;

With deepest regret I report to you my very unfortunate incident of my investment in Ethiopia; I moved there in January and was so committed to my cause that I bought a house to take up permanent residence in Addis Ababa.

I had hoped to bring thousands of jobs to the Ethiopian people. I had hoped that we could create the beginnings of a previously unknown prosperity for the Ethiopian people… Just as we did in China for so many years.

Unfortunately, my partner, Lily Betru, and her husband, Dr Getachew Betru, head of Ethiopian Railway, and son Michael Asfaw, turned out to be the “problem” rather than the “solution” for Ethiopia. Within 4 months of starting the business:

– All of my machinery and equipment were stolen

– I was locked out of my own factory

– 9 million birr investment gone

– Personal legal documents, and business documents all stolen by my partner… including the documents for the ownership of the home I bought in Addis Ababa, and even photos of my deceased parents

– And the worst of all… my Ethiopian partner is attempting to bring down my NGO where I have fed, clothed, and educatd hundreds of street children for the last 6 years (in an attempt to cover up her crimes).

– My so called partner bribed the chief inspector of the LAFTO police station. I was subject to arrest, detained in a police station, and had to fake a heart attack to get myself out of jail and flee Ethiopia the same night!

Read my letter below to the Investment Minister of Ethiopia. I had so much hope for this country. But now I have tasted why most of Africa is doomed to fail. Because the rich (like Lily Betru and her family) care nothing about the poor of their country. It is always about power and how much money they can steal.

I am back in New York with a profound sadness and deep disappointment. I apologize to all those I misled that it was possible to transform Ethiopia. This dream I had is now shattered. I don’t even know if I can ever go back to the country I have come to love.

With Sadness,
Victor Ozeri

– – – – – – – – – – –

To: The Honorable Abi Woldemeskel
Director General, Ethiopian Investment Agency

Dear Ato Abi,

Thank you for the meeting with me in Addis Ababa. Unfortunately, I am no longer in Ethiopia. After I spoke to you, an incident occurred in which I tried to enter my own factory and was attacked by Lily Betru’s son (Michael Asfaw) in his attempt to stop me from entering the factory I legally own.

After the attack on my person, I went to the Lafto Police Station to ask help from the police so that I could enter the factory I own. Within 10 minutes of making my complaint, without my knowledge, the police inspector called his friend Lily Betru to come to his office.

Before I know it, Lily, her husband and son are in the police station screaming about me in Amharic to the police inspector. They all speak English, but still carried on in Amharid, although I speak very little and objected several times. I attempted to explain to the officer that I am a good man that takes care of many poor children in Addis for many years. The next thing I know, the police inspector is screaming that my NGO is just a cover for a place for me to engage in sex with children!

This officer knows nothing about me. Conducted no investigation, and asks me no questions. But tells me he is going to detain me, and attempts to move me into a jail cell like a common criminal. It is quite obvious at this point that Lily has bribed this policeman and I knew I could not win.

I became very frightened of the idea of being in an Ethiopian jail. In the police station, I became ill.

I am 55 years old. I have never had a problem with the law. I have invested 6 years of my life taking care of the poor children of Addis Ababa, spending close to 1 million birr annually of my personal funds to feed, educate, and nurture these children.

Now, in the poorest attempt to justify their fraud and theft of my factory, Lily and her criminal family are accusing me of being a pedophile! (a man who has sex with children), the very same children that I have personally taken to America for life saving medical surgery.

I repeat Lily’s disguesting lie without hesitation nor worry. The accusation is completely baseless. I have over 100 girls whose lives I have saved. I welcome anyone to interview these children or their parents about who I am in their lives. I am a loved and respected man that has served your country for many years. Lily and her family have made this up as some flimsy justification to defraud me of commercial investment of 3.75 million birr. (Not to mention they have stolen the documents for the 4.2 million birr home I purchased in Megenanya, so I cannot even properly register the home and pay the transfer tax).

Iam sitting here in my garden in New York with a heavy heart and deep sadness. It is hard to grasp that after six years of dedicating my life to helping the children of Ethiopia, and then further dedicating myself to the people of Ethiopia by building my own factory there, that I was forced to flee the country after threats were made to my personal safety.

I am an honorable and trustworthy businessman. I will use what ever legal means available to me to protect my good name and bring these people to justice.

Beneath this letter is an accurate recap of all that has gone on with my Ethiopian investment. Thank you for your attention to this matter and I hope that you can demonstrate that there is a rule of law in Ethiopia and these terrible people will be brought to justice.

With truth and sincerity.
Victory Ozeri
Founder: Victor and Lilu Bag and Apparel Makers PLC.

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –

I NOW SWEAR TO YOU THAT THESE ARE THE EXACT FACTS OF WHAT HAS OCCURRED WITH MY PARTNERSHIP WITH LILY BETRU.

1) IN NOVEMBER 2007, I AGREED TO FORM A PARTNERSHIP WITH LILY BETRU FOR A BAG AND APPAREL MANUFACTURING BUSINESS. BY JANUARY 2008, LILY LAND I HAD SIGNED AN AGREEMENT THAT STATED THAT WE WOULD BE EQUAL PARTNERS. FURTHERMORE, IN A SIGNED AGREEMENT, IT STATED THAT VICTOR WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ONE HUNDRED PERCENT OF THE SALES AND MARKETING OF THE COMPANY OUTSIDE ADDIS ABABA. I WOULD ALSO BRING ALL OF THE EXPERTISE NEEDED TO RUN THE FACTORY. I DID ALL OF THIS AND KEPT MY WORD.

2) LILY AGREED IN WRITING THAT SHE WOULD BE ONE HUNDRED PERCENT RESPONSIBLE FOR MANAGING THE FACTORY, SUPPLYING A LOYAL WORK FORCE, AND WOULD BE THE IN-COUNTRY MANAGER FOR THIS PROJECT.

3) IN FACT, LILY MISLED ME AND HAS NO SKILLS TO RUN A FACTORY. FURTHERMORE, SHE HAS MADE NO ATTEMPT TO LEARN HOW TO RUN THE FACTORY AND HAS BEEN LITTLE HELP OTHER THAN HER POLITICAL CONNECTIONS AND THE FACT THAT SHE OWNED THE BUILDING.

4) IN MY ORIGINAL DISCUSSIONS WITH LILY, I ADVISED HER THAT THE COST TO GET THIS OPERATION OFF THE GROUND WOULD BE CLOSE TO ONE MILLION USD (OR ABOUT 4.5 MILLION BIRR EACH WOULD BE NEEDED TO FUND THE COMPANY OVER THE NEXT 12 MONTHS. SHE SAID… NO PROBLEM ! SINCE MY ARRIVAL IN ADDIS ON JANUARY 3RD, I CONTINUALLY ASKED LILY WHEN WE WOULD FUND THE COMPANY, BUT TO NO AVAIL.

5) FINALLY, AT THE END OF FEBRUARY, LILY INFORMED ME THAT THE ITALIAN GENTLEMAN WHO SOLD HER SOME ITALIAN KNITTING MACHINES HAD CHEATED HER OUT OF A QUARTER MILLION USD AND THAT SHE HAD NO MONEY TO INVEST IN THE COMPANY (BY THE WAY… IN THE BEGINNING SHE CLAIMED THAT THIS ITALIAN GENTLEMAN WAS HER BEST FRIEND !)

6) I REMAINED PROFESSIONAL ABOUT THE SITUATION. I PUT UP THE FIRST TWO MILLION BIRR TO FUND THE COMPANY ON MY OWN WITHOUT COMPLAINT. LILY SIGNED AN AGREEMENT THAT HALF THE MONEY OR 1 MILLION BIRR WAS A LOAN TO HER THAT WOULD BE PAID BACK FROM THE PROFITS OF THE COMPANY AT 5 PERCENT INTEREST TO ME.

(SINCE THEN… LILY HAS STOLEN THIS DOCUMENT THAT SHE SIGNED AS PROOF THAT SHE MADE THIS LOAN )

7) IN THE LAST 90 DAYS, I HAVE REQUESTED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS FOR LILY TO GIVE ME A FINANCIAL STATEMENT OF THE COMPANY. SHE ALWAYS PUT ME OFF. FINALLY I APPROACHED THE CO. ACCOUNTANT AND HE REVEALED TO ME THAT LILY HAS NEVER GIVEN HIM A BANK STATEMENT AND HE HAS NO INFO ON THE WHERE WE STAND FINANCIALLY! (WHAT KIND OF PERSON HIRES AN ACCOUNTANT AND HOLDS BACK BANK STATEMENTS? THIS IS TANTAMOUNT TO HIRING A PLUMBER AND THEN GIVING HIM NO ACCESS TO YOUR TOILET!!!

IT WAS CLEAR BY THIS TIME THAT I WAS DEALING WITH AN UNRELIABLE PERSON WHO HAD BROKEN OUR AGREEMENT FROM DAY ONE. STILL I GAVE LILY THE BENEFIT OF THE DOUBT AND REMAINED SILENT, DOING MY BEST TO GET THE COMPANY GOING WITHOUT HER HELP. AFTER ALL… I CAME TO ETHIOPIA TO LEND A HAND AND HELP BUILD A COUNTRY AND BRING JOBS TO POOR PEOPLE.

8. THROUGHOUT FEBRUARY, MARCH AND APRIL THE FOLLOWING OCCURRED:

A. LILY APPROACHED 3 OF MY CHILDREN GIVING THEM EACH 50 BIRR AND ASKING THEM TO COME TO ME TO SAY THAT DAVID AND HELEN WEINBERG (MY FRIENDS OF 30 YEARS THAT CAME TO ADDIS TO BUILD THE FACTORY WITH ME) WERE VERY BAD PEOPLE ! (WHAT MOTHER ASKS YOUNG CHILDREN TO DO SUCH A THING?) SO UPSET AND CONFUSED WERE THESE KIDS THAT THEY WENT TO THE SOCIAL WORKER OF MY NGO ASKING HER WHAT TO DO. THE SOCIAL WORKER THEN REVEALED THIS STORY TO ME.

B. DAVID AND HELEN ARE CONSUMMATE EXPERTS IN MY BUSINESS WITH 12 YEARS COMBINED EXPERIENCE WORKING FOR ME IN MY FORMER COMPANY AND THEIR EXPERTISE WAS BADLY NEEDED IN ETHIOPIA. WHEN LILY GOT WIND THAT DAVID WAS HEARING EMPLOYEES COMPLAINTS ABOUT HER MISTREATMENT OF THEM… LILY INSISTED THAT I GET RID OF DAVID AND HELEN. (STATING THAT IN HER OPINION, THEY WERE UNQUALIFIED FOR THE JOB !) WHAT COULD I DO? SHE WAS MY PARTNER AND AGAIN I GAVE HER THE BENEFIT OF THE DOUBT, AND AGAINST MY BETTER JUDGMENT ALLOWED LILY TO DRIVE DAVID AND HELEN OUT OF THE COMPANY AND BACK TO THE U.S.A.).

C. THE FOLLOWING WEEK, I REMINDED LILY THAT WE NEEDED TO MODIFY OUR APPLICATION TO THE WORLD BANK (REQUESTING THE BANK TO REIMBURSE UP TO 75% OF THE SALARY FOR DAVID AND HELEN) AS THEY NO LONGER WORKED HERE., SHE REFUSED TO AMEND THE APPLICATION…TELLING ME TO LET HER WORRY ABOUT GOVERNMENT MATTERS. NOW I BEGAN TO SEE THAT MY NEW PARTNER WAS PERFECTLY WILLING TO COMMIT FRAUD. I WAS DISTRAUGHT WITH WORRY AT THIS POINT OF WHAT I HAD GOTTEN MYSELF INTO !

FURTHERMORE, IN MARCH LILY INVITED ME TO LUNCH SPECIFICALLY ASKING ME WHAT WAYS WE COULD USE FOR HER TO HIDE PROFITS OF VICTOR AND LILY OUTSIDE ETHIOPIA SO SHE COULD “SAVE MONEY” ON TAXATION. I AVOIDED REPLYING TO HER.

SHE ALSO TOLD ME THAT SHE HAD A COUPLE OF MILLION BIRR STILL LEFT TO SPEND FROM HER BANK LOAN. SHE ASKED ME TO PURCHASE ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT FOR THE FACTORY WITH THIS LINE OF CREDIT. I INFORMED LILY THAT WE NEEDED NO OTHER EQUIPMENT. SHE WAS ADAMANT ABOUT IT AND BECAME UPSET WHEN I WOULD NOT HELP HER USE UP THIS CREDIT LINE TO HER OWN BENEFIT WHILE IT HURT THE COMPANY FINANCIALLY (BESIDES I WAS SURE WHAT SHE WAS ASKING ME HELP HER DO WAS ILLEGAL)

D. IN FEBRUARY… LILY MADE ALLEGATIONS THAT THE ONLY REASON ADDIS ALEMAYEHU (THE GENTLEMAN FROM U.S.AID THAT INTRODUCED US AND STRONGLY RECOMMENDED LILY BETRU AS “THE PERFECT PARTNER”) WANTED TO ACCOMPANY PATI HABER ( OUR U.S. SALES DIRECTOR FOR APPAREL) TO THE RETAILERS WAS TO STEAL OUR BUSINESS AND GIVE IT DIRECTLY TO OTHER ETHIOPIAN FACTORIES ! SHE TOLD PATI THAT SHE SHOULD NOT TAKE MR. ALEMAYEHU TO ANY RETAILERS WITH HER… THE MAN PUT THIS DEAL TOGETHER ON HER BEHALF… AND 2 MONTHS LATER, SHE IS CALLING HIM A THIEF AND A LIAR!

E. THROUGHOUT THIS 3 MONTH PERIOD I WOULD INTERVIEW QUALIFIED YOUNG ETHIOPIANS THAT WERE EAGER TO JOIN OUR MANAGEMENT TEAM. LILY WOULD THEN INTERVIEW THEM AND THEY WOULD NEVER RETURN . FURTHER HAMPERING MY ABILITY TO RUN THE COMPANY. IT SEEMS THE ONLY PEOPLE LILY WOULD AGREE TO HIRE ARE THOSE SHE CHOSE… ALTHOUGH SHE HAS ZERO EXPERIENCE IN RUNNING THIS BUSINESS.

G. IN MID APRIL A 400 BIRR A MONTH WELDER APPROACHED ME (FOR THE 10th TIME IN 3 WEEKS) TO TALK ABOUT LILYS MISTREATMENT OF THE WORKERS. WHEN HE ASKED ME THE FIRST TIME, LILY FORBADE ME TO SPEAK WITH HIM AND SAID SHE WOULD DEAL WITH IT. I COULD NOT TAKE IT ANY LONGER AND FINALLY AGREED TO MEET HIM. I SPENT AN HOUR WITH THIS FINE YOUNG MAN MENTORING HIM AND EXPLAINING TO HIM THAT LILY WAS NOT A BAD PERSON JUST “A TOUGH BUSINESSWOMAN” I REASSURED HIM THAT THINGS WOULD GET BETTER AND HE SEEMED TO BE SATISFIED AND ASSURED ME HE WOULD STAY ON AT THE COMPANY.

3 DAYS LATER I LEARNED THAT LILY CONFRONTED HIM ABOUT MY MEETING WITH HIM AND FIRED HIM ON THE SPOT! (FURTHER THREATENING ALL OF HIS COLLEAGUES THAT IF THEY EVER TALKED TO ME THEY WOULD LOSE THEIR JOBS AS WELL)

I CAME TO ETHIOPIA TO CHANGE THESE PEOPLES LIVES , NOT CONTINUE TO ABUSE THEM WHICH IS ALL LILY KNOWS HOW TO DO. IE. WE BUDGETED 200 BIRR PER MONTH FOR TRAINING SALARIES. AFTER THE FACT I LEARNED THAT LILY COMPELLED ALL THE NEW STAFF TO WORK WITHOUT PAY FOR THE FIRST 2 WEEKS ! IN THE BUILDING LILY OWNS THESE WORKERS HAVE PUT UP WITH HORRIBLE CONDITIONS. LILY DID NOT EVEN SUPPLY THEM WITH PROPER TOILETS FOR OVER A MONTH, TILL I GOT ANGRY.

H. FINALLY ON THE LAST FRIDAY IN APRIL 2008, I SAT LILY DOWN AND VERY CALMLY I CONFRONTED HER ABOUT BREAKING OUR FINANCIAL AGREEMENT, HER UNWILLINGNESS TO LEARN HOW TO RUN THE FACTORY, THE THINGS SHE SAID TO MY CHILDREN AND HER FIRING FOR NO CAUSE OF THE WELDER… SHE CALLED MY CHILDREN LIARS (ALL 3 OF THEM) AND DENIED SHE EVER FIRED THE WELDER FOR MEETING WITH ME, ALTHOUGH WE HAD HEARD IT FROM THE EMPLOYEE DIRECTLY (WOULD 3 KIDS AND A 400 BIRR EMPLOYEE GET TOGETHER AND PLOT TO LIE TO ME ABOUT MY PARTNER?

I. AT THE MEETING ON FRIDAY MAY 2, AFTER 5 MINUTES OF TALK SHE DECLARED OUR PARTNERSHIP FINISHED. I ASK HER TO CALM DOWN…IT IS BETTER TO MAKE THESE DECISIONS WHEN YOU ARE CALM AND RATIONAL. I LEFT THE OFFICE ON FRIDAY HOPING THAT AFTER THE 3 DAY HOLIDAY, WE WOULD GET TOGETHER ON TUESDAY AND I WOULD FIND SOME AMICABLE WAY TO DISSOLVE MY PARTNERSHIP WITH HER AND BUY HER OUT.

ON SATURDAY NIGHT LILY CALLS ASKING ME TO MEET HER IN THE FACTORY AT 7 P.M. I TOLD HER I WAS NOT GOING TO TALK TO HER UNTIL SHE CALMS DOWN AND THAT I WOULD LIKE ADDIS OF US AID TO BE THERE AS A MEDIATOR. SHE TRIED HER BEST TO GET ME TO COME TO THE EMPTY FACTORY ALONE AFTER DARK. I REFUSED. SHE HUNG UP THE PHONE

J. ON MONDAY AFTERNOON MAY 5, DURING THE PUBLIC HOLIDAY, ABOUT 1 P.M. I WAS WALKING AROUND LAKE HORA IN DEBRA ZEIT WHEN MY PHONE RANG. I REPLIED TO THE CALL VIA MY SPEAKER PHONE. THE MAN ON THE OTHER LINE WAS LILYS HUSBAND. HE HAD SAID (IN AN ANGRY AND THREATENING TONE OF VOICE) THAT CERTAIN ACCUSATIONS WERE MADE ABOUT ME (TERRIBLE ACCUSATIONS) AND THAT IF I WAS NOT IN HIS OFFICE BY 4 P.M.

“I WAS GOING TO BE PICKED UP”

HE SAID THIS SEVERAL TIMES AND ALSO MENTIONED THAT I HAD TO ANSWER FOR THESE (AS YET UNKNOWN) ACCUSATIONS AS I WAS IN VERY BIG TROUBLE. THIS ENTIRE CONVERSATION WAS ON SPEAKER PHONE AND I HAVE 7 WITNESSES TO DR. GETACHEWS VEILED THREATS.

AFTER HE THREATENED ME WITH POLICE ACTION I TOLD HIM THE CONVERSATION WAS OVER AND I HUNG UP. I WAS VISIBLY SHAKEN BY THIS PHONE CALL. I HAVE LIVED IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES FOR 1/2 MY LIFE. AND I KNOW WHAT CAN HAPPEN WHEN WELL CONNECTED PEOPLE CHOOSE TO DO YOU HARM.

I CALLED THE AMERICAN CONSULATE, UPON HEARING THE SERIOUSNESS OF DR. GETACHEWS PHONE CALL. THEY PATCHED ME THRU TO THE HEAD OF SECURITY. WHEN I TOLD HIM HOW WELL CONNECTED LILY AND HER HUSBAND WAS… THEY WERE ADAMANT THAT PEOPLE WITH LESS CONNECTIONS COULD HAVE A FOREIGNER THROWN IN JAIL WITHOUT CAUSE OR PROVOCATION. IT WAS MY THOUGHT (AND HIS PROFESSIONAL OPINION)THAT I SHOULD LEAVE ADDIS IMMEDIATELY FOR MY OWN SAFETY. THREE HOURS AFTER THE CALL I WAS ON THE NEXT PLANE TO N.Y.C WITH MARK JAWETZ, ANOTHER AMERICAN FACTORY ADVISER THAT HAD COME TO HELP.

I REMAINED IN AMERICA FOR 4 WEEKS, CONSULTING WITH ATTORNEYS, AND LETTING ALL MY CUSTOMERS KNOW THAT MY DREAM OF MASS AMERICAN PRODUCTION IN ETHIOPIA IS NOW DEAD! THESE BUYERS COULD HAVE INCREASED EXPORTS 10 TIMES FROM ETHIOPIA WITHIN 1 TO 2 YEARS. I ASSURED THEM IT WAS SAFE TO DO BUSINESS IN ETHIOPIA. YOU CAN ONLY IMAGINE MY EMBARRASSMENT TO GO BACK AND TELL THEM MY INVESTMENT WAS STOLEN BY THE PRIME MINISTERS CLOSE FRIENDS.

I WAS COMPELLED TO RETURN TO ADDIS ABABA ON MONDAY JUNE 9, FOR 2 REASONS.

1. MY NGO HAS 12 MILLION BIRR TO BUILD A FACILITY TO CARE FOR 400 STREET CHILDREN IN ADDIS ABABA. I WAS COMING TO FINALIZE A PURCHASE OF LAND IN ARAT KILO TO BUILD THIS SCHOOL AND CHILD CARE CENTER. (BUT I AM SURE THIS PROJECT WILL NOW BE CANCELLED DUE TO LILY BETRU AND HER CRIMINAL FAMILY MAKING IT UNSAFE FOR ME TO RETURN TO ADDIS ABABA.

2. I WANTED TO GO TO MY FACTORY AND HOPEFULLY TALK SOME SENSE INTO LILY..END THE PARTNERSHIP AMICABLY AND ALLOW ME TO CONTINUE MY PLAN BRING THOUSANDS OF JOBS TO ETHIOPIA AS I ORIGINALLY PLANNED.

BUT INSTEAD.UPON ENTERING MY OWN FACTORY, I FIND THAT MY PERSONAL OFFICE HAS BEEN LOCKED, MY PERSONAL FURNITURE STOLEN. ALL OF MY DOCUMENTS PERTAINING TO THIS BUSINESS AND THE LOANS I HAVE MADE TO LILY… AND EVEN PERSONAL PHOTOS OF MY DEAD PARENTS HAVE BEEN KEPT BY LILY BETRU.

I WAS THEN ATTACKED BY MICHAEL ASFAW , LILYS 28 YEAR OLD SON. HE IS 28 AND I AM 55 AND THIS YOUNG MAN ATTACKED ME TO KEEP ME FROM ENTERING MY OWN FACTORY. THIS IS THE SAME YOUNG MAN WHO (AT THE REQUEST OF HIS MOTHER, HACKED INTO MY COMPUTER, STOLE VERY PERSONAL (BUT COMPLETELY LEGAL) PHOTOS OF MY PERSONAL LIFE AND NOW ATTEMPTS TO BLATANTLY BLACKMAIL ME WITH THIS.

THIS IS NOT AN ACCUSATION BUT A FACT. THERE ARE NOW SEVERAL WITNESSES TO THIS BLACKMAIL ATTEMPT. LILY EVEN WENT TO MY DRIVER OF 5 YEARS AND ATTEMPTED TO OFFER HIM MONEY IF HE WOULD SAY THAT HE WITNESSED ME HAVING SEX WITH MY “ADOPTED” SON LAWGAW WHOM I HAVE BEEN CARING FOR SINCE 2003. OF COURSE MY DRIVER WAS SICKENED BY THE THOUGHT AND REFUSED LILY. SHE THEN FIRED HIM AS THE COMPANY DRIVER.

THIS DYSFUNCTIONAL FAMILY OF THIEVES EVEN WENT AHEAD AND CREATED A POWER POINT PRESENTATION IN WHICH THEY THREATEN TO SEND THIS BLACKMAIL TO EVERY CHARITY I WORK WITH. (OF COURSE NONE OF THIS WORRIES ME ) AS THE LIES ARE BASELESS, AND THEIR UNINTELLIGENT ATTEMPT AT BLACKMAILING ME WILL GO NOWHERE.

BESIDES, I HAVE CONTRIBUTED MILLIONS TO THESE CHARITIES OVER THE YEARS. LILYS FOOLISH ATTEMPTS ARE ALMOST LAUGHABLE AS THE STORY HAS NO MERIT AND MY REPUTATION IN THE WORLD OF CHARITABLE GIVING IS FLAWLESS

HOWEVER, NOW WE KNOW THAT LILY AND HER HUSBAND ARE BLACKMAILERS! THAT HAS EVEN INVOLVED THEIR SON IN THEIR CRIMES.

HOW INCREDIBLY SAD THAT THIS IS MY REWARD FOR DEDICATING MY LIFE AND MY PERSONAL FUNDS TO HELP THIS COUNTRY. I INVESTED OVER A MILLION USD IN ETHIOPIA FOR THIS PURPOSE, IN ADDITION I HAVE SPENT 80,000 BIRR EVERY MONTH FOR THE LAST 2 YEARS TO FUND MY NGO AND SAVE OVER A HUNDRED CHILDREN FROM A LIFE OF ILLITERACY AND POVERTY. I STUCK MY NECK OUT AND PERSUADED PEOPLE FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD TO COME AND HELP ETHIOPIA TO GIVE PEOPLE KNOWLEDGE OF THE INTERNATIONAL MARKET. SO FAR LILY HAS MANAGED TO CHASE 4 OF THE ORIGINAL 6 EXPERTS OUT OF THE COUNTRY. ONE BY ONE THEY WOULD REPORT TO ME THAT LILY WAS NOT ACTING IN MY BEST INTEREST AND THE NEXT THING YOU KNOW LILY IS FIRING THEM. (AND ATTEMPTS TO KEEP THE MONEY FROM THE WORLD BANK SALARY REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM ).

I WAS POISED TO BRING THE BIGGEST NAMES IN AMERICAN AND EURO RETAILING TO FILL THE UNDER UTILIZED FACTORIES OF ETHIOPIA, IT IS PUBLIC RECORD THAT I JUST SOLD 2 COMPANIES DOING COMBINED SALES OF $100 MILLION U.S. DOLLARS ANNUALLY.

PATI HABER , OUR MARKETING EXPERT FOR APPAREL IN THE UNITED STATES WAS TALKING TO EVERY MAJOR U.S. RETAILER TO MAKE THEIR APPAREL IN ETHIOPIA. WE WERE VERY CLOSE TO BRINGING THOUSANDS OF JOBS AND MILLIONS IN EXPORTS TO ETHIOPIA OVER THE NEXT 3 YEARS. I DID THIS NOT FOR PROFIT…BUT TO CHANGE THE FACE OF A BEAUTIFUL NATION THAT DESERVES PROSPERITY AMONG ITS PEOPLE. BECAUSE OF LILY BETRU, THAT DREAM IS NOW DEAD.

WE WERE ENGAGED IN CONVERSATIONS WITH THE LARGEST CUSTOMERS IN AMERICA TO PAY FOR AND SEND EXPERTISE TO ETHIOPIA TO TEACH THE APPAREL FACTORIES HOW TO WORK IN THE INTERNATIONAL ARENA. (AND HOW TO USE THE FORMULA WE DID IN CHINA TO HELP MAKE IT A GREAT NATION.) I HAD A GREAT VISION OF A PROSPEROUS ETHIOPIA THAT WOULD BE TRANSFORMED BY BRINGING LIGHT INDUSTRY TO ETHIOPIA AS WE DID IN CHINA A QUARTER CENTURY AGO. ONCE AGAIN BECAUSE OF LILY BETRU THAT DREAM IS NOW DEAD!

I BEG THE ETHIOPIAN GOVERNMENT TO LOOK INTO THIS PROPERLY AND BRING THESE PEOPLE TO JUSTICE. I CAN NO LONGER RETURN TO MY HOME OR BUSINESS OR CHILDREN’S WELFARE CENTER IN ADDIS ABABA. LILY KEEPS CALLING ME IN THE U.S. WARNING ME THAT “IF I COME BACK NO ONE WILL PROTECT ME ! SHE SAYS SHE IS THE PERSONAL FRIEND OF THE PRIME MINISTER AND NO ONE WILL DARE TO INTERFERE WITH HER.

I STILL BELIEVE THAT ETHIOPIA IS A GREAT COUNTRY WITH ALL THE POTENTIAL NEEDED FOR IT TO BECOME THE NEXT POWERHOUSE OF MANUFACTURING FOR U.S. CORPORATIONS.

I AM A MAN WITH A PROVEN TRACK RECORD OF A QUARTER CENTURY IN CHINA… CREATING JOBS, KNOWLEDGE, AND PROSPERITY FOR THE CHINESE PEOPLE. I KNOW SO MANY LARGE COMPANIES WILLING TO GIVE ETHIOPIA A TRY. I KNOW THE TOP EXPERTS IN LIGHT INDUSTRY THAT COULD BRING MOUNTAINS OF TRANSFERABLE KNOWLEDGE TO ETHIOPIA.

PLEASE DO NOT LET THE CRIMINAL ELEMENT OF LILY BETRUS FAMILY DESTROY THIS POSSIBILITY.

I AWAIT YOUR SOONEST REPLY.

VICTOR OZERI

80 thoughts on “American investor defrauded in Ethiopia”

  1. This guy claims to be an NGO helping the poor by collecting money from donors and building his own factory? He faked heart attack to escape jail and leave Ethiopia the same day? If he has some truth, why fight it legally anywhere than seeking “very sorry” from us? For me, he us a great cheat, and he found, even, a greater cheater.

  5. This is Typical of TPLF and their gangs who are ruling the country through rampant lawlessness and thievery.

    We should stop from hoping they would evaporate on their own, but we have to work hard in making our voices heard in the international stages.

    You intellectuals please start making a sort of horizontal communications. I read good articles after articles without even mentioning the other person who had aired similar idea a while ago. Make amends and make friends between yourselves. If you cannot make friend in virtual space, it is highly unusual for you guys to sit together and become a choice, hence prolonging the rule of TPLF and day light robbery, prolonging the misery for the people just because lack of a better ‘alternative’.

    Thanks Elias for such heart ranching story, I am deeply moved by the plea and suffering of such a good person which wanted to do good for the poor of that country and this is not the first time I heard about open thugery by the supporters of this regime and it seems the part is encouraging such disgust for the reason I could not fathom.

    I am absolutely sure that we will see all of them in national and international courts if they do not die of heart attacks. Amen.

    Deme.

  6. #1 Geremew, you are an embarrassment to yourself and Ethiopia. I don’t even think you are an Ethiopian. You could well be a woyanne thug. What a moron! Then again what more can be expected from a low IQ woyanne thug, a member of the Meles crime family? This guy, Victor, has the courage to speak out against what had happened to him by the Woyanne thugs who are plundering our country. There are so many others who have gone through the same terrible experience, but chose to keep silent. Dear Victor, please continue to speak out. I am terribly sorry for what happened to you.

  7. Elias,

    I think, this innocent man, Mr Victor Ozeri, should contact Prof. Abigail.
    She can explain to him how the maffia leaders of Ethiopia have treated her and may be, they can combine their forces in dealing with the criminals runing Ethiopia.

  8. This is Ethiopia Under Weyane.Dear Victor,I am very sorry to hear that.Unlike the govt. of Ethiopia preaching us,Ethiopia is a corrupted country to the root.That tells you why we Ethiopians always a symbol of misery and starvation.govt is no.1 investment enemy.To do business in Ethiopia,one has to bribe Weyane(govt) agents or give them a share.Another main problem of all this is your own GOVT.American govt. is giving unconditional help to this regime.You as a foreigner you might get attention,but how about to those Ethiopians willing to invest in Ethiopia honestly and couldn’t ? i am sure there are a lot who lost their money the same way you lost.It is time to push congress to stop helping blindly this anti Ethiopian corrupted GOVT.

    Dear,VICTOR OZERI wish you all the best

    May GOD be with you !

  10. Whatever might be the truth, at the end of the day Lily Betru solved her problem by appealing to her close ties with the MELES CRIME FAMILY. It is very good to know that Americans are learning what we Ethiopians have learned for a long time now.

  11. I’m dreadful sorry for the evils that happend against you,Mr.Ozeri.

    The crimes that took place on your environment occurs also among different personalities in the country. You are not the only victim of betrayal and abuse.
    Such a horible similar story is narated every where by many victims in different levels.
    The crowning of the matter is that those partners are supposed to be friends of the prime minister and his wife.

    Mr. Ozeri: you have been in Ethiopia, according to your report, at the time of election in 2005.
    People were ready for a democratic change, rule of law, accountability,etc.
    It was a movement to change this corrupt regime and to replace it with a true Ethiopian manner, favourable for all.
    Unfortunatelly things went wrong. The peoples’ demand was crushed.

    In spite of all circumstances you have tried at least your affection to that country and you have achieved a lot.

    Let god reward your deeds.

  13. This is a very standard practice by Woyane criminals and cohorts. Just for the record I know of two Italians who also lost their investment money under similar circumstances.

    As I was visiting Ethiopia a while back, I saw Mr. Victor Ozeri on Ethiopian Television – He was heralded as a US citizen, investor and philantropist/humanitarian. At the time, Ms. Lily and her husband were also presented as business partners. But it was evident to me as it was to many other Ethiopians, Lily and her husband are woyane leaches who are awaiting for the right time to steal money away from this gentleman. Had Mr. Ozeri not succeeded in fleeing the country, needless to say they would have killed him in the attempt to snatch more money from him. The degree of the greed to which these and other woyane thugs go is simply mind bogling.

    I believe Mr. Ozeri is a European immigrant and first generation US citizen. I hope he pursues all avenues to expose the kind of looting and criminal activity being exercised in Ethiopia. He can bring this case to the attention of his congressman, Senator, state Assembly members and state senators.

    For Ethiopians, however, the Woyane injustice has no limits and bounds – it is an extraordinary criminal government filled with criminal elements and thugs. These include so called Ethiopian diaspora investors – as far as I know most if not all diaspora investors are also playing the game that is being played by Lily and her husband who are partners in this crime!!!

  14. Dear,Mr. VICTOR OZERI my heart goes out to you. As you know, we are speritual and God fearing people who has nothing but respect for foreigners. I don’t need to explain to you how the Government of Ethiopia behaves, it became the family business. They are on stealing bananza of Ethiopian recourses and you are one of innocent victim, like most Ethiopians. Dont let the accusation dampens your sprit. They are greedy and pathological liars. I assure you change is coming and you will be able to do what you like to do. I apologize in behalf of my country and encourage you to be part of the change so you can help more needy children of Ethiopia. God bless you.
    Regards,

  15. Long times since I read such a catching plea.I am so sorry for the investor.Shame on you the socalled rulers of Ethiopia.It is a disgrace for every Ethiopian.
    Dear investor, there are frauding woman and men in Ethiopia as there are the same in your country.The difference of ours from yours is that the former is supported by the rulers.There is a meles kleptokracy ,that loots and make other’s loot the country.Justice may delay for you,but you will get it one day.You have a strong government and you will get it back,there are many looted Ethiopians,who have no ways to get back their looted properties.I am one of them.
    I just advise you to continue your exposition of these mafia groups.You are not alone,millions are with you.
    God gives you strength

  16. Members of the crimefamily, their close friends,relatives,associates, and supporters have notoriously been above the law and have been committed fraud,cheat, decive,stealing, and other illegal activities and made the country void of trust.

    In a crimeridden regime of members of the criimefamily, any illegal activity is the norm and crime committed by members of the crimefamily is a day-to-day activity.

    There have been many,many indivuduals cheated and fooled by associates of the members of the crimefamily since the robbers came into Ethiopia from the desert they conducting anti-Ethiopia activities for many years, and now today have fully inctrol of the economy and have sat on above the law stepping on millions of Ethiopians. The answer for these problems or the possible solutions for the existing problems is to remove them from the surface of Ethiopia.

  17. Victor Ozeri,Thank for your good heart to create more jobs for poor ethiopians even if those power mongers and selfishes have done so ugly things.Dear Victor, my broterly advice for you and other friends of ethiopia and ethiopians, the ethiopia’s people are struggling to kick out those G Bush’s servants from minilik;s palace. they are solow leveled people. Just join the struggle for freedom and democracy in ethiopia.With in the short time, all criminals will be out of power, your house will be at your hand at the end of this bloody dictator, lily betru , her mand and son will be hunted out one by one and they will face justice for the crimes which they have committed against friends of ethiopia. They will not have a single place to hide them selves.mr Victor, your country, USA, has created an alliance to fight terrorism with the people who have been terrorizing innocent human beings like you and millions.

  19. I stopped reading in the middle.The man seems to be dancing.He speaks about child abuse,bank,and many other stuffs.To be honest,I need a second or third person for confirmation.
    Elias,Please double check this issue and tell us.I need the truth badly,please.

  20. We Ethiopians appreciate your efforts to help the children. This issue is a legal issue. You cannot solve this issue by going to court because there is no the rule of law like yours. You are dealing with mafias. I suggest that you can make this issue as a political. Try to send those letters to your Congressman and senator. For the last four years, we have been trying to expose Meles’ regime as a Mafia regime so follow the leader.

  21. This lesson for the American government, who blinded by “terroris threat” and become Woyane’s partner. Meles has no problems with the Americans. He can con them any time. He recognized the dumbness of Jindaye Frazer and Yamamoto a part time novis diplomats and play the game.

    Herman Cohn, David Shin and some other diplomats have understood the Woyane and Meles, but it was too late for them.

    Sorry for this man

  22. ,Mr. VICTOR OZERI

    You need to forward your letter to the state department officials, to the senate and to President Bush, who are the best allay of the weyane regime, where Lily belongs too( if she was the one who cheated him). If you have given all these things based on truth and clear honesty, you should definitely try to bring to justice all the people involved in this mess. But don’t expect the Weyane regime (TPLF) led by Meles Zenawi will give any justice, since they would’ve involved in your situation. Weather your case is true or not, the weyane regime is very known in over taking many foreign citizens assets and resources that were organized by many NGO groups. Weyane has been treating many NGO groups to take over their management while weyane wants them only to concentrate on fund rasing.
    Again, Mr. VICTOR OZERI, we all know that the weyane government is the most criminal and corrupted one. But, make sure you address your issue to the officials of the US and the public as well, so that most people would have a better understanding on weyane’s daily criminal activity in Ethiopia
    Fianally, I guarantee you that there is no rule of law in Ethiopia in practical basis. Of course the Weyane illegitimate government has a written one which never been applied, the rule of law is on the hands of weyane officials, members, and supporters especially on Meles Zenawi who is the owner of TPLF and the Crime Minster of the country.
    But I have a big wish for you….Death to weyane members and officials!!!!

  23. Sir you should do more research before invest this much money. You should have read the best seller book in Mega book store Ethiopia (owen by crime minister’s wife) written by Al- Mudine. The first chapter first sentence say were to open bank account for the crime minister and their 51% owenrship of your company. That way you can owen the country and not worry about the little rats like Lily and her family. Sorry you stil have some time to recover your money harry up and buy that book. do you know Shake Al-Mudine who rape kids in day light but nothing happen to him.

  24. This story is one sad story beside many others on our planet…peole like this women and here family do forget, that we are all on the way to heaven…and they do not know anymore why we live on this planet. Surly not for beeing selfish, criminal and brutal in any kind.

    People who act like this women and their family they can even not imagine anymore what love is… What happend to them?

    Let us help them by praying and let us all not resignate by happening like that! Such people can discover absolut love again, but only if the get in touch with loving people…

    Love is the answer to all…

    weather military nor dictatorial system can build a good life for us all.

  25. This story is one sad story beside many others on our planet…people like this women and here family do forget, that we are all on the way to heaven…and they do not know anymore why we live on this planet. Surly not for beeing selfish, criminal and brutal in any kind.

    People who act like this women and their family they can even not imagine anymore what love is… What happend to them?

    Let us help them by praying and let us all not resignate by happenings like that! Such people can discover absolut love again, but only if the get in touch with loving people…

    Love is the answer to all…

    weather military nor dictatorial system can build a good life for us all.

  26. This doesn’t surprise me. Having returned to Ethiopia after several years in the west, I can tell you that the corruption of our people (not only the government) is very deep and embarrassing to say the least.

    You can blame the government, poverty and etc but the fact is that everyone is out to take you for a ride. I feel sorry for the guy and I hope Leli Bertu (if she really screwed this guy) gets what she deserve. NO GOOD DEED GOES UNPUNISHED

  27. This is one sad story and I bet you there are more sad stories that haven’t been told. First and foremost USAID shouldn’t have any business doing business in any country, that organization is a tool of neo-colonial policies designed to keep Africans back in the dark ages. This guy was used by Woyanne business gansters aka mafia and USAID in a scheme to use donated money for the use of Woyanne and some USAID official in country. Woyanne has surrendered Ethiopia to their masters in the US state department and USAID is their business and “charity” arm. The neo-colonial masters want business to be done in a corrupt way because that is how they will keep the people of Ethiopia in bondage.

    This criminal organization known as USAID was kicked out of Eritrea a long time ago because the Eritrean government had enough of their economic hit man business and told them get out, we don’t need your help. You don’t see any foreign investor in Eritrea start a business in haste and when they start a business in equal partnership they don’t complain, in fact they invest more despite the propaganda that western news agencies spread about how difficult it is to do business in Eritrea, the Ethiopian people should use this poor investor’s experience as a lesson on what not to do when Woyanne is gone for good.

  28. That is a common practice in that poor country. Authorities and their relatives use any possible opportunities to snatch any thing they colud possibly touch. I know many.
    But people please do not come up with a tastless defence. You all know. That is the very reason for the country to be the poor of the poors. You know yourself, things are deliberatly tough.

    The system is backward. When evil people react it will be worse.

    I called the Ethio embassy to authenticate a delegation letter. And they told me to send a green card. My passport should be enough to give a delegation to somebody in Ethiopia. But they are tastless. They are addicted to complicating thins.If they do this in US to their own cictizen. Imagine what they can do to other people in that misrable country.

    I know the people in general is fine.

    But now they do this to a sleeping gaint. They will pay for it.

    In the mean time any responsible Ethiopian need to comfort Mr Ozeri, above all cooperate to bring justice up on this case. May be, he can be healed and go back to Ethiopia.

  30. As some of the commentators have already indicated Ethiopia is being ruled by a minority dictatorial mafia family operating monopoly business.

    As every one is also aware or needs to be aware, entering in to business partnership with the mafia means gambling with your own life. It is that simple!

    But if one chooses to take extreme risks and starts gambling with his life, then that is a serious matter of choice with all the risks attached to it.

    This is a very good lesson for any one trying to enter in to any business joint venture with that medieval mafia family.

  31. Please check the web site below for more information on Mr. Ozeri – He is a very legitimate businessman.

    http://www.geeskaafrika.com/ethiopia_14sep07.htm

    Elias: Please check on Lily Betru’s husband – I know one Tigrean who is well known conman who goes by the name of Getachew (who studied insects – entomology) – who has been doing similar scams and fraudulent money in the past. Please stay on this story – as Mr. Ozeri can help us expose this Tigrean thugs for what they are!

  32. Dr. Getachew Betru is another phoney intellectual who is working for the German Business Association in Ethiopia (GBA Ltd) and continually defrauding the German Government Aid money supposed to alleviate poverty in Ethiopia through his facilitators at GTZ (Note: GTZ is the German equivalent to USAID).

    He is now joined by his wife by skillfully robbing legitimate business and charity meant for Ethiopians for his greedy scam. It is simply unbelievable what Woyane and those vultures around them (the likes of Getachew and Lily)are doing to Ethiopia and Ethiopians.

  34. lily and getachew lived in london over 20 years.they made millions with bank loan and corruption.she is a well friend of meles wife.she joined meles group very recently.michale her son is a master gratuate from london.getachew got a new job as a head of transport minster in railaways because of azeb mesfin.i know them very well lily can do anything to get money specially these days but they used to be a good family.once you join meles gang that is it .lekefet
    i am sorry what happened to mr ozerie god blessed you and fight until you get your momey and name.i guessed it is not possible to get any solution from woyanne though

  36. Mr. Victor Ozeri, first of all, forget the evil Geremew and Tazabi’s comment. Obviously they are either bought out OR close friends OR supporters OR spies of the notorious murderer, thief and liar Prime Minister, his wife, his extended family and his specially trained security guards who live both in Ethio and aboard. I believe you. Your story has happened and is happening to many Ethiopians and foreigners every day. I have no doubt that millions of Ethiopians know that your story is true and support you.

    Mr. Ozeri, I salute you for your good heart, thinking and helping the poor in my country. I am sure the good deeds you did for those poor suffering children will in same way come back to you with huge rewards. I wish the good heart people such as your self in this world would win in their goods deeds to others. Unfortunately, the evil people such as Melese some how gets weapon power and do their greedy and gruesome activities and crimes on innocent truthful people. I am so sorry about what happened to you in my country.

    Mr. Ozeri, you are a key witness. You see, what is happening to the majority of Ethiopian people in their own country since last 18 years has happened to you too. This is exactly how these corrupt so called Prime Minister, his wife, his employees, his friends, his bought out home town Ethiopians and his supporters suck the Ethiopian people’s blood and wealth. Eighteen years ago, the current thief, murder and rich Prime Minister as well as officials were poor, who use to wear worn out short, walked bare foot, had only a cup of corn meal once a day and sometimes had nothing to eat. They were the poor who use to steal corn meal, sugar, money, cloth from people in the middle of the night. I know this because my uncle told me how they came to his home at night and not only forced him to give them sugar, tea, teff flour, salt and any food in his house but also at a gun point made him and his wife carry the stolen goods and walk to the mountain where they use to be hiding out.

    The current murderer and rich Prime Minister is a first year University drop out who became a robber and lived in a jungle but got opportunity to steal from and kill Ethiopian people and became rich. Using the opportunity he got, he mastered the art of robbing, cheating, deceiving and killing and trained few followers with same and made them rich too. The thief, cruel and dishonest Lily Betru, her husband and her son are also three of few of these illegal and corrupt government recruits and there are more of the likes of them. There are too many evidence of fraudulent, untrustworthy, murder, robbery and cruelty of the current Ethiopian government since last 18 years.

    I urge you to fight back this cruel, dishonest, greedy thief Lily Betru with all your power and by every means you get. I don’t think taking your case to the current corrupt murderer Ethiopian government will result any justice. She is them and they are her. She is part of their poison wing and this devious government would lye as always does and would do everything to defend her to deny what happened to you. I suggest to you to get hold of other foreign investors whom had same or similar crime committed against them and get justice. Consider that your fight is not only yours but for the millions of Ethiopians who are being robbed and killed every day.

    God Bless you and your family!!

  37. DEAR FRIENDS OF ETHIOPIA AND READERS OF ETHIOPIAN REVIEW:

    I AM VICTOR OZERI. THE PUBLISHING OF THIS LETTER HAS COME AS A COMPLETE SURPRISE TO ME. NONE THE LESS I THANK SO MANY OF YOU FOR YOUR KIND OUTPOURING OF SYMPATHY.

    FOR THE DOUBTERS…EVERY WORD YOU HAVE READ IS TRUE. I HAVE
    BEEN IN ETHIOPIA FOR 6 YEARS HELPING STREET CHILDREN WITH MY PERSONAL FUNDS. TO KNOW MORE VISIT http://WWW.SAFEHOUSEETHIOPIOA.ORG

    IN JANUARY 2008, I BOUGHT A HOME IN MAGANANYA AND MOVED MYSELF TO ADDIS ABABA WITH 6 ADVISORS IN ORDER TO BRING THE VISION OF JOBS AND PROSPERITY TO ETHIOPIA. I SPENT 25 YEARS DOING THE SAME THING IN THE PEOPLES REPUBLIC OF CHINA AND I HAVE THE CREDENTIALS AND EXPERIENCE TO AT LEAST TRY TO DO THIS IN ETHIOPIA. I DID IT PURELY OUT OF MY LOVE FOR THE PEOPLE OF ETHIOPIA . AND I STILL BELIEVE THAT MY VISION IS POSSIBLE.

    HOWEVER, PLEASE BE VERY CLEAR THAT MY ARGUMENT IS NOT WITH THE ETHIOPIAN GOVERNMENT. IT IS LILY BETRU AND HER FAMILY THAT HAVE SHATTERED THIS DREAM FOR THE MOMENT, (AND POSSIBLY FOREVER) !!!

    IN FACT MINISTER OF TRADE ATO GIRMA-BARU WAS A TREMENDOUS HELP TO ME IN GETTING THIS PROGRAM STARTED. HE WAS SINCERE AND HARD WORKING EVERY STEP OF THE WAY. MY AMERICAN AND CHINESE STAFF AND I COULD NOT HAVE OPENED THE FACTORY SO QUICKLY AND EFFICIENTLY IF NOT FOR THIS MANS HELP. NONE OF US IMAGINED THAT THIS LILY WAS SO GREEDY AND DIS-HONEST.

    FURTHERMORE, PLEASE KNOW THAT I AM NOT A NAIVE MAN. I TRULY BELIEVE THAT THE CURRENT GOVERNMENT REALLY BELIEVED IN THIS VISION AND WERE VERY SUPPORTIVE OF ME. ONE ONLY NEEDS TO SEE THE DRAMATIC CHANGES AND ALL THE CONSTRUCTION GOING ON IN ADDIS ABABA TO REALIZE THAT THE CURRENT GOVERNMENT IS HEADED IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION !

    LAST WEEK I WAS INFORMED THAT INDUSTRY MINISTER GIRMA-BARU WAS IN WASHINGTON D.C. ALTHOUGH HE WAS QUITE BUSY WITH OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT BUSINESS….HE INVITED ME TO THE ETHIOPIAN EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON. HE AND HIS STAFF SAT WITH ME FOR OVER 2 HOURS. IT WAS MY OPINION, THAT THEY WERE REGRETFUL AND SINCERE IN WANTING TO STRAIGHTEN THIS OUT. THEY OFFERED ME ALL MANNER OF ASSISTANCE TO GET ME TO COME BACK AND CONTINUE WITH MY VISION……AND I WAS GRATEFUL TO THEM FOR REACHING OUT.

    BUT MY VISION WAS NEVER TO OPEN “A SINGLE FACTORY” BUT MORE TO CONVINCE A HUNDRED CHINESE FACTORIES TO INVEST IN MANUFACTURING IN ETHIOPIA AND BRING THEIR EXPERTS TO TRAIN THE ETHIOPIAN PEOPLE (AS THE AMERICANS TRAINED THE CHINESE OVER THE LAST QUARTER CENTURY).

    MY VISION INCLUDED CALLING ON THE TOP EXECUTIVES OF K-MART, WAL-MART, TARGET, JC PENNYS, AND SEARS TO DO BUSINESS IN ETHIOPIA. WHAT A GRAND EFFORT IT WOULD HAVE BEEN FOR SO MANY ELEMENTS OF THE GLOBAL VILLAGE TO COME TOGETHER AND TURN AROUND THE ECONOMY OF THE 7th POOREST NATION !! ??

    UNFORTUNATELY, UNTIL MY MACHINERY AND INVESTMENT IS
    RETURNED , I HAVE NO REASON TO GO BACK. UNTIL LILY BETRU AND
    HER FAMILY ARE BROUGHT TO JUSTICE, HOW CAN I POSSIBLY WITH GOOD INTENTIONS, ADVISE OTHERS TO INVEST THEIR MONEY IN ETHIOPIA ?????

    TO PRIME MINISTER MELES, I SAY THAT I HAVE SEEN ALL THE NEW BUILDINGS RISING FROM THE ONCE POVERTY STRICKEN STREETS OF ADDIS ABABA. IT IS INDEED INSPIRING TO SEE HOW THE CITY LANDSCAPE IS QUICKLY CHANGING (AND THE DIFFERENCE YOU ARE MAKING). THAT IS WHY I BELIEVE THAT THE TIMING IS RIGHT FOR ETHIOPIA TO BECOME A MANUFACTURING CENTER FOR ALL THE CUSTOMERS OF EUROPE THE U.S. AND EVEN ASIA.

    BUT UNLESS THESE PEOPLE ARE BROUGHT TO JUSTICE…THE WEALTHY IN ETHIOPIA WILL CONTINUE TO BELIEVE THAT THEY CAN GET AWAY WITH ANYTHING. I BELIEVE THAT AN EXAMPLE MUST BE MADE OF THESE TYPE OF PEOPLE SOONER OR LATER.

    THE ALTERNATIVE IS AN ETHIOPIA THAT HAS ALL THE “HUMAN” RESOURCES NECESSARY TO BECOME THE NEXT DESTINATION FOR WORLD MANUFACTURING…BUT WILL REMAIN HOPELESSLY MIRED IN POVERTY AND SUFFERING FOREVER.

    MOST SINCERELY
    VICTOR OZERI
    FOUNDER; VICTOR AND LILY BAG AND APPAREL MAKERS PLC
    SAFEHOUSEETHIOPIA.ORG

  38. Isn’t this guy the same person who I saw him in a video interview once before on Addislive? Am I wrong? If it is the same person it will be very hard to believe. This Lily is going to her ass busted by Meles and his gang itself. This will have far-reaching ramifications. The government there is going to hear from Israel too. Heads are going to roll and roll to smithereens!!!!

  39. Hopefully the Ethiopian Government bring that Lady into Justice. Did she think for one minute for Ethiopian people? those who can get an opportunity to get a job in that factory to taking care of their family?
    Oh my God how evil she?

  40. Geremew says:
    This guy claims to be an NGO helping the poor by collecting money from donors and building his own factory? He faked heart attack to escape jail and leave Ethiopia the same day? If he has some truth, why fight it legally anywhere than seeking “very sorry” from us? For me, he us a great cheat, and he found, even, a greater cheater

    I wouldnt be as harsh as geremew on Mr.Victor, but with a preliminary hearing of the case and with out any comment from his Ethiopian partner, I have come to believe that the man is not as great as he claims and also the lady, like most current criminal elites in Addis is a nigerian styled mafia. This is the tip of the iceberg. A mengistu style red terror even wouldnt clean the filth in our community. Elite criminals from every ethnic, government connected crooks and corrupt officials have made an everlasting damage to the reputation of the majority of Ethiopians. Unfortunately, this culture is vibrant among the so called opposition group ALOS. I wish I could join Elias Kifle in the campaign of harsh measures against these rotting idiots. But there has to be a better way to solve this cronic propblem.

  41. Evil Lily Betru, “what goes around comes around”. Don’t u think that you can get away with the help of the once poor the current rich by murder Crime Minister power. You have committed a crime against a humble and generous man Mr. Ozori to fulfill your greediness. For what? For money where you would go to a grave any time? How could you steal and hurt from such a man?

    Mr. Ozeri, from his own pocket, fed, clothed and educated children abounded by your crime associates and created jobs for the young poor Ethiopians while you are enjoying luxurious life with the money you get by stealing from the Ethiopian people. Your so called friend, Crime Azeb who once lived in a mud hut and poor is now rich from the money she has been stealing from the poor Ethiopian mouth. Well, you are a member of them for now, but you will pay back in full and more in time.

    Lily Betru, may u and ur family be cursed. Let the money you stole from innocent people and the hurt you inflected be a fire that turn back to you, your family and your wealth and bring all of you down to ashes.

    Curse to you!

    Power, Blessings and Victory for Mr. Ozeri!!!!!!!!

  42. Belachew says:-

    Elias please keep reporting the horror story of Weyane roping the so called investors. It is sad that, most Ethiopians don’t share their horror story like this individual, instead they want to see their fellow country man/woman fall in to Weyane trap. I heard many sad stories from Ethiopians who went to Ethiopia and roped by Weyane of their life time saving and came back to start life from scratch.

  43. “Geremew says:
    This guy claims to be an NGO helping the poor by collecting money from donors and building his own factory? He faked heart attack to escape jail and leave Ethiopia the same day? If he has some truth, why fight it legally anywhere than seeking “very sorry” from us? For me, he us a great cheat, and he found, even, a greater cheater.”

    I wouldnt be as harsh as geremew on Mr.Victor, but with a preliminary hearing of the case and with out any comment from his Ethiopian partner, I have come to believe that the man is not as great as he claims and also the lady, like most current criminal elites in Addis is a nigerian styled mafia. This is the tip of the iceberg. A mengistu style red terror even wouldnt clean the filth in our community. Elite criminals from every ethnic, government connected crooks and corrupt officials have made an everlasting damage to the reputation of the majority of Ethiopians. Unfortunately, this culture is vibrant among the so called opposition group also. I wish I could join Elias Kifle in the campaign of harsh measures against these rotting idiots. But there has to be a better way to solve this cronic propblem. We ethiopians cannot continue to tolerate humiliation. We have to work hard to support the poor ourselves. We are falling for all kinds of scams even here in the U.S.. We get scammed into buying a house we know we cant countinue paying for and so many other things. We should focus into helping our family and our poor people. I am not claiming this many is a pedophile but there are pedophiles in the country and there are irreversible damages being done to our country that is being imported by foreigners. Ladies and Gentlemen, we are becoming not only poor but cultureless and worst than Nigerians.

  44. how she did like these to Mr Victor he is good person he try to help our country.
    Specially how she want to hurt those children? I know his organization in Ethiopia and I see the happiest children there.

  46. There are lots of worse untold stories of the atrocity that the TPLF gangs inflict on the nations.. This man is an American and he got the chance to flee the coutry.. thos at home can’t…. wait and see when change comes, we will see all the facts exposed

  47. Dear Victor,

    I deeply feel sorry for you. I don’t know what we can help you.We are helpless in own country. Please don’t give up until you get justice. We are with you. We should be able to fight this issue thru world bank who finance these thugs. Unless Meles brought this criminal to justice, they can refuse to provide him money. Once he got a clear message, leave alone these thugs, he will send his own wife to the Haag with his buddy Albashre

    Go Bless Ethiopia
    We shall win

  48. Only a moron invest in Ethiopia today. There is no law and order. The courts are full of political cadres wearing robs. What happen to this man is not an exception. It is the normal. Go to any ‘woyane-governemnt’ owned offices and you will see that this are a bunch of morons who konw nothing, who are there to swindle and steal. Woyane ena zemedochachewn matefate ysfelegal….they are scums.

    Free Teddy Now MFs.

  50. Mr. Ozeri
    I saw your interview when you shared your vision and dreams. I was impressed but also feared that they would take advantage of you. They are politically connected and trust me they will chew you up and spit you out. All major businesses are owned by or controlled by the ruling party. And unfortunately most of them are uneducated and when they are educated are incompetent. They will not allow anyone else to prosper. Do you see our delimma
    Quite sorry to hear your story. It is heartbreaking. However on a Micro Scale the same thing that happened to you is happening to thousands of ethiopians who love their country and want to help. No one wants to leave their country and live elsewhere without doing something to help. We Ethiopians are as nationalistic as our Israeli brethren and I am sure you know that. Nevertheless you have the power to make change since you not only have the resources but the vision. They (Meles and his group) will listen to you because they can benefit more from you, but more importantly you can hurt them more if they don’t somehow provide you with satisfaction. I urge you to speak to your congressman. Why do you think Congress passed HR2003. Not because the gov’t is transparent and benevolent and democratic. As a good business man you can make change even in the worst of situations (just like Oskar Schindler). Don’t give up.
    You are not naive and blind that you cannot see all the corruption and mis-manangement of the country. I know you can but at the same time you can be a force of change.

    Good Luck to you and May god help you and open the doors
    YB

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