Best White Collar Crime Lawyers in New Cairo

About White Collar Crime Law in New Cairo, Egypt

White collar crime generally refers to non-violent offenses committed for financial gain or to obtain business advantage. In New Cairo, Egypt - a fast-growing business and residential district with many corporate offices, banks, and development projects - white collar matters commonly involve allegations of fraud, embezzlement, bribery, corruption, tax evasion, forgery, insider trading-type conduct, and money laundering. These matters are investigated and prosecuted under Egyptian criminal and regulatory frameworks that apply across the country, with investigative steps usually taken by the Public Prosecution, specialized economic investigators, regulatory agencies, and anti-money laundering authorities.

Because New Cairo hosts many domestic and international firms, white collar matters there often raise cross-border elements - foreign bank accounts, international business partners, or transactions in foreign currency. That context can complicate investigations and increase the need for counsel who understand both local procedure and international financial practices.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

White collar allegations can trigger severe criminal penalties, civil claims, administrative sanctions, and reputational harm. You may need a lawyer if you are:

- Under formal investigation or summoned by the Public Prosecution or a regulatory body;

- Charged with an economic offense such as fraud, embezzlement, bribery, forgery, or money laundering;

- Subject to asset freeze, seizure, or provisional measures;

- Facing regulatory inquiries from the Central Bank of Egypt, the Financial Regulatory Authority, or other oversight bodies;

- Involved in an internal corporate investigation that may become criminal or civil litigation;

- A corporate officer or director worried about personal liability arising from company conduct;

- A whistleblower seeking protection or someone wrongly accused and needing to clear your name.

An experienced lawyer helps protect your rights during questioning, advise on whether to cooperate or invoke rights, prepare legal defenses, coordinate with forensic accountants and investigators, negotiate with prosecutors or regulators, and represent you in court or administrative hearings. Effective representation is especially important where evidence can be complex and technical, or where international cooperation is involved.

Local Laws Overview

White collar cases in Egypt are governed by a combination of criminal law, criminal procedure, administrative and regulatory rules, and sector-specific regulations. Key legal concepts and procedural features to understand include the following.

- Penal Provisions: The Egyptian Penal Code criminalizes a range of acts relevant to white collar matters, including fraud, embezzlement, bribery, forgery, and related offenses. Penalties may include imprisonment, fines, and confiscation of proceeds.

- Money Laundering and Financial Controls: Anti-money laundering and combating financing of terrorism rules establish obligations for banks and certain non-banking financial institutions to report suspicious activity. Authorities can pursue money laundering charges where illicit proceeds are disguised or moved through the financial system.

- Regulatory Enforcement: The Central Bank of Egypt oversees banking compliance and may impose administrative sanctions on banks or banking personnel. The Financial Regulatory Authority supervises capital market and non-banking financial services and can open investigations and impose penalties within its remit.

- Investigative Authorities: The Public Prosecution conducts criminal investigations and decides whether to bring charges. There are specialized units and prosecutors who focus on economic and financial crimes, and administrative agencies that may conduct parallel probes into misconduct.

- Procedural Protections and Remedies: The Criminal Procedure Code sets rules for arrest, detention, search and seizure, pre-trial detention, evidence collection, and appeals. Defendants have rights to legal counsel and to challenge investigative measures, though procedural practice can be rigorous in economic cases.

- Corporate and Civil Liability: Companies can face civil claims, administrative sanctions, and, in some situations, criminal consequences as well. Directors and officers may be personally liable depending on their role and knowledge of the misconduct.

- Asset Measures: Courts and prosecutors can order freezes, provisional attachment, and confiscation of assets thought to be proceeds of crime. These measures may affect both domestic and foreign-located assets when mutual legal assistance or enforcement mechanisms are engaged.

Because statutory language, prosecutorial practice, and regulatory priorities evolve, it is important to consult counsel familiar with current Egyptian law and with how those rules are applied in Cairo courts and administrative forums.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly counts as a white collar crime in New Cairo?

White collar crime includes non-violent, financially-motivated offenses such as fraud, embezzlement, bribery and corruption, forgery and document falsification, tax offenses, insider-like misconduct in business transactions, and money laundering. The same categories apply in New Cairo as elsewhere in Egypt; location affects investigation logistics and local court jurisdiction but not the legal definitions.

How will I know if I am under official investigation?

You may be notified directly by the Public Prosecution, receive a subpoena or summons to appear, be interviewed as a witness, or learn of an investigation through a regulatory inquiry or a formal search or seizure. At times investigations begin with requests to your bank or employer for records. Receiving formal notice is the point at which contacting a lawyer is strongly advisable.

Can I be detained during the investigation?

Yes. Egyptian authorities can detain suspects if the prosecutor or court deems detention necessary to secure the investigation, prevent flight, or stop tampering with evidence. Pre-trial detention is used in some economic crime cases, and length of detention depends on procedural steps and judicial decisions. Prompt legal representation can help challenge detention or seek alternatives.

Will my company also face consequences?

Potentially. Companies can be subject to administrative penalties, civil liabilities, regulatory sanctions, contract termination, or criminal investigation depending on the facts. Boards should consider parallel civil and compliance responses while criminal counsel manages defense and negotiation with authorities.

What should I do if investigators come to search my office or seize documents?

Do not interfere with lawful procedures, but do protect your legal position. Ask to see the search or seizure order and make a written note of what is taken. Do not consent to questioning before speaking with a lawyer. If possible, have legal counsel present or request counsel immediately. Document the names and badges of officials and the scope of the search.

Can foreign transactions or accounts trigger problems in New Cairo investigations?

Yes. Cross-border transfers, foreign accounts, and international business arrangements often attract attention in financial investigations. Egyptian authorities may seek mutual legal assistance from foreign jurisdictions or cooperate with foreign investigators. If your matter has an international component, you need counsel experienced with cross-border evidence and cooperation mechanisms.

What defenses are commonly used in white collar cases?

Defenses vary by case, but common themes include lack of criminal intent, absence of sufficient evidence tying the accused to the wrongdoing, lawful business purpose for disputed transactions, procedural violations during the investigation, and demonstrating that actions were authorized by company policy or higher management. For money laundering charges, a key defense can be proving legitimate source of funds.

Can I negotiate with prosecutors to reduce charges?

Yes. Prosecutorial negotiation, plea agreements, or mitigation discussions can occur in economic cases. The availability and formality of such negotiations depend on the case facts, evidence strength, and prosecutorial discretion. Skilled counsel can evaluate options for cooperation, admission, or alternative resolution that may reduce exposure.

How long do white collar cases typically take to resolve?

There is no fixed timeline. Some matters are resolved in weeks or months through settlement or dismissal, while complex investigations with forensic accounting and multiple defendants can take many months or years. Timelines depend on investigative complexity, judicial scheduling, appeals, and whether parallel civil or regulatory proceedings are active.

How do I find the right lawyer in New Cairo?

Look for criminal defense lawyers or law firms with specific experience in economic and financial crime matters, knowledge of Egyptian criminal and regulatory procedure, and courtroom experience in Cairo courts. Ask about prior cases, experience with prosecutors and regulators, use of forensic accountants or investigators, language capabilities, fee arrangements, and references. A local lawyer who understands New Cairo business practices and the relevant authorities is especially valuable.

Additional Resources

Public Prosecution - The national prosecutorial authority that opens and leads criminal investigations and decides whether to bring charges.

Central Bank of Egypt - Responsible for banking supervision and enforcement of financial controls and reporting obligations for banks.

Financial Regulatory Authority - Oversees non-banking financial markets, capital markets, and related regulatory enforcement.

Administrative Control Authority - A government body that investigates and combats administrative corruption and may conduct parallel inquiries.

Egyptian Money Laundering Combating Unit - The unit responsible for receiving and analyzing suspicious transaction reports and coordinating anti-money laundering actions.

Egyptian Bar Association and Local Bar Associations - Professional bodies that can help you find licensed lawyers and check standing of practitioners.

Forensic accounting firms and white collar investigation specialists - Private firms that assist with document review, financial tracing, and preparation of defenses.

Next Steps

1. Preserve records - Immediately preserve relevant documents, emails, accounting records, contracts, bank statements, and electronic data. Do not delete or alter files.

2. Limit communications - Avoid speaking to investigators or regulators without legal counsel present. Be mindful of public statements that can be used against you.

3. Seek counsel - Contact a criminal defense lawyer with white collar experience in Cairo or New Cairo as soon as possible. Arrange an initial consultation to assess risks and options.

4. Prepare a defense file - Work with counsel to assemble a chronology, key documents, witness list, and any evidence that supports lawful intent or shows lack of liability.

5. Consider forensic review - Engage forensic accountants or IT specialists if financial records or electronic evidence are central to the case.

6. Explore resolution options - In consultation with your lawyer, evaluate potential defenses, negotiation strategies with prosecutors, and the possibility of administrative or civil settlement.

7. Plan for reputation management - If allegations have public impact, coordinate legal strategy with communications advice to manage reputational risk while protecting legal rights.

8. Understand costs and timeline - Discuss fees, likely expenses for experts, and an anticipated timeline with your lawyer so you can make informed decisions.

9. Stay informed - Laws and enforcement priorities can change. Rely on qualified counsel to provide updates and adapt strategy as needed.

10. Remember the purpose of this guide - This information is educational and does not replace personalized legal advice. If you face a white collar investigation or charge in New Cairo, contact a qualified lawyer to discuss your specific situation immediately.