Egypt's Wafd Party steps up measures against members allegedly involved in planning antiquities trafficking

CAIRO – July 12, 2024: Al-Wafd, Egypt's oldest political party, has expelled two members who were captured in a leaked video discussing a plan for alleged antiquities trafficking.

The leaked footage, which circulated on social media, has sparked public outrage and calls for reforms within the party, as the members were purportedly discussing the plan inside the party's headquarters in Giza governorate.

Following an investigation into the incident, a committee announced the expulsion of Safeer El-Sayed Mohamed Nour and Abdel Wahab Barakat El-Sayed Mahfouz from the party in light of their alleged involvement.

Abdel Sanad Yamama, the Head of Al-Wafd Party and former Presidential Candidate, along with other party leaders, have also referred the incident to the Public Prosecution.

Trafficking, reforms

The leaked video, seemingly recorded with a hidden cell phone, showed a number of party members discussing "two pieces" located in Giza's Mansouriya.

One member in the video discussed the possibility of the possessor providing photographs of the two items from different angles.

Following the release of the video, a joint statement by prominent party members called for comprehensive political reform, expressing their concern that the incident damages the party's reputation and creates discord among its members.

The statement was issued by renowned diplomat Amr Moussa, the honorary president of Al-Wafd, Mounir Fakhry Abdel-Nour, the party's former secretary, and Mahmoud Abaza, the party's former president.

The politicians emphasized the need to protect Al-Wafd from “saboteurs who infiltrate the party, receiving covert support.”

They warned that the presence of such members harms the Al-Wafd party as well as the entire Egyptian political landscape.

Serious crime

Antiquities trafficking and smuggling are serious crimes under Egyptian law, punishable by hefty fines and severe prison sentences, which can extend to life imprisonment and fines of up to LE 10 million.

Egypt is home to a vast wealth of antiquities dating back to the pharaonic era and other periods, with many remaining undiscovered.

Periodically, the police arrest individuals involved in illegal excavation or trading of antiquities.