Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
Egypt’s Public Prosecution announced Saturday that the investigation involving businessman Sabry Nakhnoukh has taken a dramatic new turn after forensic examinations of seized mobile phones allegedly uncovered evidence linked to a series of serious crimes extending far beyond the case that first brought him under investigation.
According to prosecutors, digital data extracted from devices confiscated during the inquiry contained recordings and information that prompted investigators to examine allegations including kidnapping, unlawful detention, physical abuse, and coercion of individuals into signing documents against their will.
The developments mark a significant escalation in a case that initially emerged from a violent dispute at a New Cairo car dealership but has since evolved into a much wider criminal investigation.
Prosecutors allege organized criminal activity
In a statement, the Public Prosecution said ongoing investigations and security inquiries indicate that Nakhnoukh and several others may have been involved in an organized group accused of using intimidation, threats, and force to exert influence and maintain control over various activities.
Investigators are examining allegations that the group operated under the cover of a private security and guarding company, which prosecutors claim may have been used to conceal unlawful activities.
Authorities stressed that investigations remain ongoing and that the allegations are still subject to judicial examination.
Phone examinations open new lines of inquiry
The most significant developments emerged after prosecutors ordered forensic analysis of mobile phones seized from the suspects.
According to the prosecution, investigators discovered material that pointed to additional incidents now under review. These include allegations of kidnapping accompanied by sexual assault, unlawful confinement involving physical torture, and efforts to force individuals to sign documents under duress.
The prosecution did not disclose details regarding the identities of alleged victims or the timeframe of the incidents, citing the continuing nature of the investigation.
Weapons and suspected antiquities seized
As part of the expanding probe, authorities carried out search operations at Nakhnoukh’s residence and several affiliated locations following judicial warrants issued by prosecutors.
The searches resulted in the recovery of a surveillance camera recording unit previously reported stolen, according to the prosecution. Investigators also seized two automatic rifles, a machine gun, a handgun, several air-powered and blank-firing weapons, and nearly one thousand rounds of ammunition.
Authorities further reported finding five unlicensed communication devices and ten artifacts suspected of being antiquities. The items are expected to undergo specialist examination to determine their authenticity and legal status.
Financial investigations underway
Beyond the criminal allegations, prosecutors have launched parallel financial investigations aimed at tracing funds that may be connected to the activities under scrutiny.
Officials said the financial review seeks to identify potential proceeds generated from any criminal conduct and determine whether additional offenses may have occurred through the movement or concealment of assets.
The Public Prosecution emphasized that the case remains under active investigation and that efforts are continuing to uncover what it described as the full scope of the alleged activities and all individuals potentially involved.
The latest revelations suggest that what began as a single criminal case may now be developing into one of the most extensive investigations currently before Egyptian prosecutors.
