A man accused of posing as a fake judge inside a Cairo courthouse is facing multiple criminal charges after prosecutors alleged he used fake judicial credentials and staged courtroom videos to deceive victims into handing over money.
Recent videos and claims have surfaced online showing a man sitting on the judicial bench inside North Cairo Court while wearing what appeared to be a judicial sash. The footage quickly spread online, sparking questions about how the videos were made and how the alleged scheme operated.
According to the Egyptian Public Prosecution, the investigation began after a citizen posted a video on social media claiming he had been defrauded by a man pretending to be a judge.
Prosecutors said the investigation led to the arrest of the main suspect, who was allegedly found in possession of a judicial sash, fake ID cards bearing his claimed position, 2 mobile phones containing the videos under investigation, an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
How the Alleged Scheme Worked
The Public Prosecution said the suspect ‘admitted to impersonating a judge and carrying out several fraud schemes’, by claiming he could use his supposed judicial influence to help citizens complete legal procedures and obtain housing allocations in exchange for money. Prosecutors also said he acknowledged filming photos and videos inside a courthouse to strengthen the credibility of those claims.
The investigation expanded after prosecutors identified a second suspect accused of helping film and publish the content online.
Several court employees were also questioned after appearing in some of the videos. Moreover, the employees admitted they appeared in the footage but denied knowingly assisting a fraud scheme, stating that the suspect had told them he worked for a judicial body. All defendants have been referred to an expedited criminal trial while the case proceeds through the courts.
Earlier reporting by Youm7 said the main suspect confessed to paying money to 3 internal court employees to facilitate his entry into courtrooms after official working hours, allowing him to film videos while wearing an imitation judicial sash designed to resemble the official one. And according to AlArabiya, investigators are examining the suspect’s bank accounts, electronic communications and seized documents while working to identify additional victims.
According to investigators, the videos were shared with prospective victims as evidence that the suspect held judicial authority, making his promises appear legitimate. Prosecutors allege he used that perceived credibility to obtain money from people seeking help with legal or administrative matters.
The charges go beyond impersonation alone. Egyptian law criminalizes unlawfully performing the duties of a public official, wearing official insignia (symbol) without authorization, and falsely claiming a public title. If the allegations of fraud are proven before the court, the suspect could also face additional penalties related to obtaining money through deception.
The Public Prosecution has urged citizens not to trust individuals who claim they can use official positions or personal influence to resolve legal matters in exchange for payment.
It also encouraged anyone encountering similar schemes to report them immediately so authorities can investigate.
As the case moves through the courts, many of the allegations remain subject to judicial review. What is already clear, however, is that investigators believe the suspect relied on carefully staged courtroom videos and a fabricated judicial identity to gain the trust of his alleged victims.
