The National Museum of Civilization in Fustat witnessed one of the most serious heritage thefts, with 370 artifacts stolen from staff custody, according to official investigations ⚠️🏺.
Security guard Ahmed Azmi reported seeing the second suspect carrying a bag containing artifacts into the storage room with the first suspect. The bag later matched the one confiscated by authorities.
Ali El-Sayed, an inspector of antiquities, discovered an artifact displayed abroad, raising suspicions. It was confirmed that the first suspect stole several pieces, aided by the second suspect to move them outside the storage.
Khaled Ahmed Sadeq, another museum employee, noticed a broken lock and missing artifacts, confronting the first suspect who admitted the theft. The suspects were caught in possession of original and replica pieces.
Investigations revealed that the first suspect stole rare items including 7 necklaces, assisted by the second suspect, and both conspired with a third suspect to create replicas to cover up the theft.
Total seized: 361 artifacts from other employees’ custody.
Total stolen: 370 pieces, some smuggled abroad 🇪🇬✈️.
Official Charges:
First suspect: embezzlement of artifacts and 7 necklaces.
Second suspect: aided in moving stolen artifacts.
Both: stole 361 artifacts from colleagues.
Third suspect: created replicas to cover the theft.
All involved with an unknown party in smuggling artifacts abroad.
The Cairo Criminal Court postponed the trial of the inspector accused of stealing 370 artifacts to November 16, 2025, headed by Judge Mohamed Ahmed El-Gendy.
