According to an official directive addressed to the Commander of the Police Unit at Aden Adde International Airport, Ascad Mahmoud Yusuf is wanted in connection with criminal case No. G-1244/2026, which involves allegations of migrant smuggling and human trafficking. The order states that the investigation is being conducted under the relevant provisions of Somalia’s Penal Code and other applicable national laws.
The case stems from complaints filed by three women—Ayaan Abdullahi Ali, Khadija Dahir Roble, and Falis Mumin Mohamed—who alleged that their passports were confiscated and that they were deceived with promises of overseas travel opportunities before being trafficked through irregular migration routes.
According to investigators, the women told prosecutors they paid substantial sums of money before being transported to a third country through illegal channels, a journey they said exposed them to serious danger and exploitation.
The Attorney General’s Office also stated that on June 17, 2026, Ascad Mahmoud Yusuf was formally instructed to surrender the passports linked to the investigation. Prosecutors say he failed to comply with that directive despite receiving the official order.
Authorities further stated that he was subsequently summoned to appear before investigators to respond to the allegations but allegedly failed to attend, prompting prosecutors to seek his immediate arrest.
The arrest warrant instructs airport police to apprehend Ascad Mahmoud Yusuf without delay and present him before the Office of the Attorney General for further legal proceedings. In addition to the human trafficking and migrant smuggling allegations, prosecutors said he may also face charges under Articles 264, 285, and 505 of Somalia’s Penal Code.
The investigation comes amid growing concerns over the alleged misuse of Somali travel documents, including diplomatic passports, in facilitating irregular migration and human trafficking networks. Somali authorities have in recent years faced increasing scrutiny over allegations that official documents have been exploited by criminal organizations involved in cross-border smuggling operations.
The case has gained additional attention following the European Union’s decision announced on Thursday to impose temporary restrictions on visa issuance for Somali nationals. The EU cited insufficient cooperation by Somalia on the readmission of irregular migrants and introduced stricter measures affecting visa processing, including additional restrictions on holders of Somali diplomatic and service passports.
Authorities have not yet disclosed whether additional suspects are under investigation, and the Immigration and Citizenship Agency has not issued a public statement responding to the allegations against the senior official.