File Photo: Egyptian security personal standing near a police vehicle. AFP
The operation came after social media reports about the disappearance of a Chinese tourist in Egypt.
Chinese media users had earlier reported that 21-year-old Chi Guangying, who arrived in Cairo on 6 August and stayed in touch with her family until 21 September, had gone missing.
Police investigations revealed that she and others had been caught up in a criminal ring of eight suspects, including three Chinese nationals, involved in online fraud and extortion.
According to the ministry, the gang lured mostly Chinese victims to Egypt with fake job offers in e-commerce.
Once in the country, the victims were kidnapped, held captive, and forced to pressure their families abroad into transferring ransom money through online platforms.
Police raided an apartment in New Cairo’s First Settlement district, arresting all suspects and seizing firearms, knives, stun guns, and mobile phones containing evidence of the crimes.
A kidnapped Chinese national was freed during the raid.
Authorities asserted that legal action has been taken, and the Public Prosecution is overseeing the investigation.
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