Investigations in Case No. 5960 of 2026, Al Omrania Misdemeanor Court, revealed new details about a four-member criminal gang specializing in fraud against citizens seeking tourist Hajj visas and foreign currency outside official banking channels.

According to investigations, the suspects lured a businessman and seized nearly 17 million Egyptian pounds after convincing him that they could provide tourist Hajj visas and foreign currency at prices lower than market rates.

Businessman Reports Fraud Incident

The incident began when an investment company owner filed a complaint at Al Omrania Police Department, accusing several individuals of taking his money through deception.

The complainant stated that the suspects claimed they could obtain 75 tourist Hajj visas and provide 2 million Saudi riyals at a lower price than the official banking market.

After receiving the money, the suspects reportedly turned off their phones and disappeared.

Suspects Arrested With Large Amounts of Money

Security authorities successfully identified and arrested the suspects. Large amounts of money were found in their possession, including:

• 26 million Egyptian pounds inside six large black bags.
• 195,121 US dollars inside another bag.

The seized funds were documented and placed under the supervision of the Public Prosecution as investigations continued.

How the Fraud Scheme Was Carried Out

Investigations revealed that the suspects attracted victims by offering unrealistic foreign currency exchange rates.

They allegedly convinced the victim that they could provide 2 million Saudi riyals inside Saudi Arabia in exchange for 20 million Egyptian pounds.

The suspects used the claimed price difference from official market rates as a way to persuade the victim to complete the deal, claiming they could provide the Saudi riyal at a price lower by up to 4 pounds per riyal.

Suspects Seized Nearly 17 Million EGP

Investigations showed that on the day of the incident, the suspects obtained money from the businessman, including:

• 100,000 US dollars.
• 11.8 million Egyptian pounds.

The total amount seized from the victim reached nearly 17 million pounds, allegedly with the involvement of the fourth suspect.

Suspects Confess to Forming Criminal Gang

During questioning, the suspects admitted forming a criminal group specialized in defrauding citizens seeking to purchase foreign currencies outside official banking channels at lower-than-real prices.

They also admitted that the seized funds were proceeds from fraud operations, totaling:

• 24.8 million Egyptian pounds.
• 95,121 US dollars.

Authorities seized the suspects, the recovered funds, and the vehicles allegedly used in the crime.

Criminal Records of the Accused

Security checks revealed previous criminal records for some suspects:

• The first suspect, identified as "Mohamed A.", had been previously accused in four cases, including a drug-related felony case in Hadayek October.
• The second suspect, "Safaa A.", had previous fraud-related accusations in Shebin El-Kom, Menoufia Governorate, in 2026.
• The third suspect, "Omar A.", was listed as a repeat offender in cases involving intimidation and exerting control, and resides in Assiut Governorate.

The Public Prosecution continues investigations to uncover all details of the case and take the necessary legal actions against the suspects.

How did the Hajj visa scam gang operate?

They lured victims by claiming they could provide tourist Hajj visas and foreign currencies at lower-than-market prices, then took their money.

How much money did the suspects take from the businessman?

They allegedly seized nearly 17 million Egyptian pounds.

What items were found with the suspects?

Authorities recovered 26 million Egyptian pounds and 195,121 US dollars.

How many people were involved in the criminal gang?

The gang consisted of four individuals.

What is the case number?

The incident is registered under Case No. 5960 of 2026 Al Omrania Misdemeanor.