JAKARTA - Egyptian authorities have secured a fraud gang that issued fake marriage documents for prospective brides, which managed to rake in more than 500 thousand US dollars.
Nineteen suspects were arrested for the alleged fraud, in which the couple were tricked into paying for a fake medical certificate - which was required under a health initiative by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi.
The Egyptian Administrative Control Authority said it had uncovered a criminal network that operated websites and social media accounts that imitated the initiative.
In a statement on Tuesday, authorities said investigators from their cybercrime unit, in cooperation with the Egyptian Ministry of Health, had identified 19 suspects suspected of being involved in defrauding couples seeking the mandatory medical test, reported The National (14/7).
The group is accused of issuing fake certificates and illegally collecting examination fees through their fake online platform.
After receiving approval from the prosecutor, the authorities arrested the suspects and searched the locations related to the operation.
Investigators said they had seized forged documents allegedly issued by the Ministry of Health, fake stamps linked to government and private entities, as well as computers, electronic devices and printers allegedly used in the fraud.
The authority said cash, property contracts and other assets believed to be the proceeds of the operation had been seized, with a total value estimated at 26 million Egyptian pounds ($520,000).
The Administrative Supervision Authority urges the public to only use official and approved platforms when accessing government services, and to report any cases of alleged online fraud to the relevant authorities.
It is known that the Egyptian authorities introduced a presidential initiative to examine prospective spouses for certain diseases in February 2023.
The medical examination includes tests for Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV. This examination also includes non-communicable diseases, namely diabetes and high blood pressure.
This initiative is open to Egyptian citizens and foreigners.
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