Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
In a shocking incident that has stirred public concern, three Russian women were injured following a violent break‑in at their apartment in New Cairo’s First Settlement area, authorities said. The assault, which involved an attempted sexual assault and a violent attack with a metal scissors, has drawn widespread attention and renewed calls for strengthened security in upscale residential districts frequented by foreign residents.
According to the Cairo Security Directorate, police quickly apprehended a suspect after receiving an emergency report from residents. The accused, a young man whose identity has not been publicly released pending further investigation, was arrested within hours of the attack and later confessed to attempting to burglarize the apartment, harass one of the women, and assault another with a metal scissors, security officials told reporters.
The attack occurred late in the evening when the three Russian nationals long‑term residents in New Cairo, a neighborhood known for its luxury compounds, international schools and expatriate community — were inside their flat. Preliminary inquiries indicate that the suspect had been following the women into the residential building and seized an opportunity when the apartment door was left open.
As the suspect forced his way inside, the women resisted. In the ensuing struggle, one of the victims fell from a window while attempting to escape or defend herself, according to police. She sustained serious injuries and was rushed to a nearby hospital, along with two others who suffered a fractured thigh and a deep laceration. All three were reported in stable condition following initial treatment.
Interior Ministry sources said the suspect admitted in custody to the attempted robbery, harassment and the initial stages of an attempted sexual assault. Investigators have placed him in 4‑day pre‑trial detention as probes continue into his background and potential links to other crimes.
New Cairo, including the neighboring Fifth Settlement area, has seen a growing foreign population in recent years. The district’s high‑end residential compounds, international schools, private healthcare facilities and retail complexes have made it attractive to expatriates, diplomats, and global professionals working in Egypt. That appeal, analysts say, has also put a spotlight on security challenges in affluent urban districts where such violent crimes remain rare but have a high impact when they occur.
Residents and community leaders expressed alarm following the incident, noting that attacks of this nature are uncommon in gated communities that pride themselves on strict access control and surveillance. A neighbor who declined to be named said, “We choose to live here because of the security. To hear that something like this could happen is deeply unsettling.”
The incident adds to a broader conversation about urban safety in Egypt’s rapidly expanding satellite cities, where authorities have deployed additional patrols and surveillance technology in recent years. Egyptian officials said they are reinforcing coordination with local security units, compound management and neighborhood watch programs to protect both citizens and the growing international community.
In a statement, the Cairo Security Directorate affirmed its commitment to public safety and urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious behavior immediately. The statement reiterated that the swift arrest reflects the security forces’ emphasis on rapid response and thorough investigation of violent crimes.
Legal experts noted that the suspect faces multiple criminal charges, including attempted robbery and attempted sexual assault, both of which carry severe penalties under Egyptian law. Prosecutors are expected to seek extended detention as evidence continues to be collected, including forensic analysis, surveillance footage and witness testimony.
Meanwhile, diplomatic sources indicated that the Russian Embassy in Cairo is monitoring the case closely and providing consular assistance to the injured women and their families. Embassy officials have not released public comments but are understood to be in contact with Egyptian authorities to ensure a full investigation.
The distressing episode has prompted renewed discussion among expatriate communities about personal safety and the importance of community vigilance, even in areas considered secure. For its part, the Egyptian government has emphasized ongoing efforts to bolster law enforcement presence and enhance protective infrastructure in residential zones frequented by foreign residents and tourists alike.
As the investigation proceeds and the suspect remains in custody, Cairo authorities have pledged transparency and speed in bringing the case before the courts, underscoring a zero‑tolerance approach to violent crime.
