Egypt’s Public Prosecutor on Thursday began extensive investigations into the escape of Habib al-Adly, the former interior minister, from the seven-year prison sentence in the case of the seizure of funds and exploitation of influence during his tenure as a minister. Cairo Criminal Court has convicted Adly and 12 other officials on charges that they acquired illicit gains amounting to LE2.4 billion. The court sentenced eight other persons to five years in prison each; and sentenced two others to three years in prison. Adly and the 12 other defendants were referred to criminal court in August 2015 over charges of illicit gains while serving in government posts. The defendants were accused of using their influence to acquire illicit gains amounting to LE2.4 billion (close to $300 million at the exchange rate of the time) while Adly was interior minister.

Source: Egypt Independent May 19, 2017 10:18 UTC