In brief
Egypt's Ministry of Interior announced arrests of suspects linked to a scam where fake judges appeared on social media, presenting themselves as court officials who could allocate housing. The suspects, an unemployed man and a student, reportedly formed a criminal gang and staged false courtroom videos to convince victims. Detected during investigations, they were detained along with court employees and face an expedited trial.
By André Rhoden‑Paul
The Ministry of Interior announced that police have detained two men and several court employees in Cairo and Giza over a scheme that involved fake judges misleading citizens on social media in order to steal their money.
According to the ministry, the scheme used fabricated courtroom footage and the presenters wore judicial sashes and even carried a firearm to convince users that they were legitimate authorities. The suspects also allegedly posed as officials who could provide housing allocations from government agencies.
The principal suspect, an unemployed man, and a student, both from Cairo and Giza, were detained after police seized a fake judicial title, identity cards and a firearm. Statements from the suspects say they formed a criminal gang and filmed videos inside an actual courthouse to enhance their credibility.
State‑owned newspaper al‑Ahram reports that the suspects will face an expedited criminal trial. Court employees who helped with the fake court scenes were also detained and questioned. The plot came to light after a victim complained that a man claiming to be a judge had defrauded him.
The ministry said that the arrested individuals are suspected of distributing fabricated court scenes on social media to lure victims and that more arrests may follow as the investigation continues.
