Ahmed AbouZaid, a renowned Egyptian YouTuber and educational content creator, is facing criminal charges for allegedly engaging in illegal currency trading. The Egyptian Public Prosecution accuses AbouZaid of illicit financial dealings following his recent arrest.
AbouZaid, the creator of the popular YouTube channel Droos Online, was detained at his home in the Nile Delta last week after withdrawing a significant sum of money from his bank account. He denies the charges, asserting that the funds were legally earned through his social media ventures.
With over 11 million followers across platforms and nearly 8.7 million subscribers to his YouTube channel, AbouZaid has been a prominent figure in Egypt’s online educational space for over a decade. His channel offers English language and graphic design tutorials.
The arrest has led to his exclusion from the prestigious 1 Billion Followers Award, a competition recognizing influential digital creators, just days before the $1 million prize announcement in Dubai.
The Egyptian government has recently implemented strict regulations on foreign currency use amid an ongoing economic crisis. Authorities have expressed concerns over the possession of large sums of foreign currency, citing potential links to money laundering and tax evasion.
Legal expert and rights advocate Negad Al-Borai noted that AbouZaid might secure his release if the authorities confiscate the disputed funds.
This case comes as Egypt continues to face scrutiny over its legal and economic policies, including a crackdown on public dissent and stringent control over financial transactions.
Pro-Gaza Protesters’ Detention Extended
In related news, Egyptian courts have extended the detention of 173 pro-Palestinian activists arrested during protests against Israel’s 2023 war on Gaza.
The detainees, held on terrorism-related charges, will remain in custody for an additional 45 days as investigations proceed. Public protests have been heavily restricted in Egypt since President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi took power in 2013.