Journalist Bahey Hassan, who said he is from Mostafa Shalaby's hometown and one of his neighbors, shared new claims about the suspect accused of impersonating a judicial official.
New Claims About His Personal Life
According to Hassan, Shalaby's parents are deceased, and he has little contact with his two brothers. He also stated that the family faced difficult financial circumstances.
He claimed that many villagers knew Shalaby was not an actual judge and that some alleged fraud incidents inside the village ended with victims recovering their money.
Building a Public Image
Hassan said Shalaby tried to build a positive reputation by organizing football tournaments for children and presenting himself as someone capable of helping residents complete official procedures or secure job transfers.
He also referred to an incident in which Shalaby allegedly attempted to influence the transfer of a government employee before his true identity was discovered.
Denial of Celebration Rumors
The journalist denied reports claiming that Shalaby's family held a large celebration after his alleged judicial appointment, describing those stories as false.
Interior Ministry Investigation
Egypt's Ministry of Interior announced that it had uncovered the circumstances surrounding videos circulated on social media showing two individuals impersonating judicial officials to defraud citizens.
Police arrested the suspects and seized a blank-firing pistol, three mobile phones, a laptop, and forged identification cards.
Confessions
According to the ministry, the suspects admitted forming a criminal network that deceived citizens by falsely promising government housing allocations in exchange for money.
They also confessed to staging scenes inside a courthouse to convince victims of their fake identities and producing forged business cards at a printing shop in Cairo's Mouski district.
Ongoing Legal Proceedings
The Public Prosecution ordered the detention of the suspects pending investigation, while legal proceedings continue.
Who is Mostafa Shalaby?
He is a suspect accused of impersonating a judicial official and defrauding citizens.
What did his neighbor claim?
He claimed that many villagers knew Shalaby was not a real judge and denied several circulating rumors.
What did police seize?
Authorities seized a blank-firing pistol, mobile phones, a laptop, and forged identification cards.
What is the latest legal update?
The Public Prosecution ordered the suspects to remain in custody pending further investigation.
