Arrests in Egypt after people allegedly impersonate judges

Several people have been arrested in Egypt after allegedly impersonating judges to defraud citizens of money, according to the Ministry of Interior. The ministry said the scheme involved fabricated court scenes and the impersonation of a judge on social media. The main suspects, identified as an unemployed male and a student residing in Cairo and Giza, have been detained. Upon questioning, they confessed to forming a criminal group that took money from citizens by falsely claiming they could allocate housing from government agencies. They also admitted staging fake court scenes with the assistance of others. State‑owned newspaper al‑Ahram reported that several suspects believed to have taken part in the scheme were detained and referred for an expedited criminal trial. The alleged fraud came to light when authorities launched an investigation after a man said he had been defrauded by a man who falsely presented himself as a judge. The main suspect was arrested, and police seized a firearm, a judicial sash, and identity cards bearing his false judicial title. He confessed to filming photos and videos inside a courthouse while wearing the judicial sash to boost his credibility. He stated that he was helped by a second suspect, with the assistance of several court employees. The second suspect confessed to taking part in filming and publishing the images and videos on social media while claiming to be a judge, according to prosecutors. Court employees were also detained and questioned, telling investigators that the main suspect had told them he worked for one of Egypt's judicial authorities.