Egyptian authorities have arrested a person in Ismailia for operating a social media page that promoted the sale of white weapons. According to a statement, the individual was identified through a joint investigation by the General Administration for Combating Cybercrime and the Public Security Sector. The suspect was found to be managing a page on social media platforms that advertised the sale of white weapons.

The investigation revealed that the suspect, a resident of Ismailia, was using two mobile phones to manage the page and had been posting images and videos obtained from electronic sites to convince potential buyers that he had the weapons in his possession. He would then request financial payments from interested buyers, promising to deliver the weapons after receiving the payments.

Upon searching the suspect's residence, police found no white weapons in his possession. However, the mobile phones were seized and examined, revealing evidence that confirmed the suspect's illicit activities. The suspect confessed to operating the page for the purpose of deceiving and cheating citizens.

The suspect's modus operandi involved creating a false sense of legitimacy by posting images and videos of weapons, which he claimed to have in stock. He would then engage with potential buyers, responding to their inquiries and negotiating prices. Once the buyer agreed to make a purchase, the suspect would request payment, often through unofficial channels.

The Egyptian Ministry of Interior has been actively working to combat cybercrime and online scams. This operation is part of a broader effort to ensure public safety and prevent individuals from engaging in illicit activities online. The Ministry has urged citizens to be cautious when interacting with online platforms and to report any suspicious activities.

The suspect was taken into custody, and the necessary legal procedures were initiated. The case was referred to the Public Prosecution, which will handle the investigation and potential prosecution. The authorities have not disclosed the number of people affected by the suspect's activities but have assured the public that they are working to identify and protect any potential victims.

The Egyptian authorities have warned that they will continue to monitor online activities and take action against individuals engaging in illicit activities. The public is advised to be vigilant and report any suspicious online activities to the authorities. The case highlights the importance of online safety and the need for citizens to be aware of potential scams and cyber threats.

Key points

  • The suspect was found to have no white weapons in his possession despite claiming to have them for sale.
  • The suspect used social media to deceive and cheat citizens, requesting financial payments for weapons he did not have.
  • The Egyptian authorities are actively working to combat cybercrime and online scams.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.