Egyptian authorities have arrested several individuals accused of impersonating judges as part of a scheme to defraud people, according to the Ministry of Interior. The alleged scam involved creating fabricated court scenes and impersonating a judge on social media platforms.
The main suspects, identified as an unemployed man and a student residing in Cairo and Giza, have been detained. They reportedly confessed to forming a criminal gang that deceived citizens by falsely claiming they could secure housing from government agencies. The suspects also admitted to staging fake court proceedings with the assistance of others.
State-owned newspaper al-Ahram reported that several participants in the alleged plot were detained and referred for an expedited criminal trial. The operation came to light when authorities began an investigation into a complaint filed by a man who claimed he had been defrauded by someone posing as a judge.
During the arrest of the primary suspect, police confiscated a firearm, a judicial sash, and identity cards bearing his fake judicial title. He is also said to have confessed to filming photos and videos inside a courthouse while wearing the judicial sash to enhance his credibility. Prosecutors stated that a second suspect admitted to participating in the filming and dissemination of these images and videos on social media, where he claimed to be a judge.
Court employees have also been detained and questioned in connection with the case. They reportedly stated that the main suspect had claimed to work for one of Egypt's judicial authorities. The investigation into the extent of the alleged fraud and the involvement of additional parties is ongoing.