Several people have been arrested in Egypt over an alleged scheme involving fake judges who defrauded individuals by staging fabricated court scenes and impersonating judicial officials on social media.

According to Egypt's Ministry of Interior, the main suspects include an unemployed man and a student living in Cairo and Giza. They reportedly confessed to forming a criminal gang that took money from citizens by falsely promising to allocate housing from government agencies. The suspects also admitted to staging fake court scenes with assistance from others.

State-owned newspaper al-Ahram reported that several suspects believed to be involved were detained and referred for an expedited criminal trial. Police seized a firearm, a judicial sash, and identity cards bearing a fake judicial title from the main suspect. He also confessed to filming photos and videos inside a courthouse while wearing the judicial sash to enhance his credibility.

The main suspect acknowledged being aided by a second suspect and several court employees. Prosecutors stated the second main suspect confessed to participating in filming and publishing images and videos while claiming on social media to be a judge.

This case highlights concerns over fraudulent impersonation and manipulation of judicial authority in Egypt.

Sources