FBC Platform Case Appeal Postponed to November 17, 2026
The FBC platform case has witnessed a new development after the appeal hearing for the defendants, originally scheduled for October 19, 2026, was administratively postponed to November 17, 2026, before the Cairo Economic Court of Appeal, according to Ahmed Basher El-Ghazawy, defense lawyer for one of the defendants.
The postponement comes as part of the judicial proceedings concerning the appeal against the ruling issued against the defendants in the case widely known as the FBC platform case, which involves allegations of fraud, deception, and obtaining money from citizens through the platform.
The case has attracted considerable attention due to the nature of the allegations involving online activities and the collection of funds, as well as the criminal and financial penalties imposed in the original ruling.
Ahmed Basher El-Ghazawy Maintains His Defense Arguments
Ahmed Basher El-Ghazawy, defense lawyer for one of the defendants in the FBC platform case, stated that he would maintain several legal arguments before the court. He emphasized that his client's position is based on the alleged absence of the elements required to establish criminal liability, according to statements made by the defense.
Challenge to the Claim That His Client Managed the Website
One of the main arguments presented by the defense is that the role of website manager cannot be attributed to his client. The lawyer also emphasized that his client had no administrative connection with the platform in question.
This argument seeks to examine whether the defendant was involved in managing or supervising the platform's activities and whether the alleged acts can be attributed to him in light of his actual role, according to the defense's position before the court.
Argument That the Material Element of the Crime Is Absent
El-Ghazawy also stated that he would argue that the material element of the alleged crime was not established, citing the absence of a causal link between his client and the incidents attributed to him, according to the defense's position.
He explained that, even assuming his client's participation in the platform, his role was limited to being a participant and did not involve managing or supervising its operations.
This argument concerns the nature of the acts attributed to the defendant and their connection to the incidents under consideration. The court will assess these matters based on the evidence and documents presented during the proceedings.
Defense Arguments Concerning Criminal Intent and Technical Evidence
According to previous statements, the defense has also maintained that criminal intent was absent, arguing that the defendant did not intend to commit fraud or unlawfully obtain other people's money, as stated by his lawyer.
The defense also pointed to what it considers shortcomings in the technical report concerning the identification of the person actually responsible for managing the platform and committing the alleged acts. It further argued that certain aspects of the investigations require additional technical and digital examination.
These remain arguments presented by the defense, and their assessment and determination are subject to the jurisdiction of the competent court in accordance with the law.
Details of the Ruling in the FBC Platform Case
The Cairo Economic Court of First Instance previously sentenced the defendants in the case to five years in prison, imposed a fine of EGP 10 million, and ordered the repayment of EGP 14 million, in connection with allegations of defrauding citizens through the FBC platform.
The ruling followed proceedings before the economic court concerning allegations that an online platform was used to attract citizens and obtain their money under the promise of investment opportunities and financial returns.
Media coverage of the case has discussed allegations of promoting online investments and misleading participants into believing they could earn financial returns. These allegations must be considered in light of the investigation records, case documents, and judicial rulings.
Appeal Against the Ruling and Request for the Maximum Penalty
Following the issuance of the ruling, the case entered the appeal stage through proceedings initiated by the investigative authorities, which sought the maximum penalty against the defendants, according to local media reports.
The court scheduled October 19, 2026, for the appeal hearing and requested that the defendants be brought from their places of detention. Ahmed Basher El-Ghazawy subsequently announced that the hearing had been administratively postponed to November 17, 2026.
The postponement forms part of the procedural course of the case as the appeal proceedings continue before the competent court. It does not constitute a new judgment on the merits of the case.
The Importance of the Case in Combating Online Fraud
The FBC platform case highlights the importance of verifying the
