CBE blocks LE 4B in fraud in 2025, sees 268% Rise in recovered funds: Hassan Abdalla

CAIRO - 29 January 2026: Governor of the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE), Hassan Abdalla, announced that proactive measures by the bank helped prevent fraudulent activities totaling LE 4 billion during 2025, marking an increase of about 268 percent compared to 2024. 

He also highlighted an unprecedented rise in total amounts recovered for victims of financial fraud.

Speaking at the opening of the second Arab Anti-Fraud Conference in Luxor, Abdalla stressed that tackling financial crimes is a top priority requiring innovative solutions, regional collaboration, and international cooperation amid rapid technological developments and growing challenges for banking systems.

“The second edition of this conference builds on last year’s event in Sharm El-Sheikh, reflecting Arab countries’ commitment to safeguarding financial stability,” Abdalla said. 

He added that the conference serves as a specialized platform for exchanging expertise and discussing the latest fraud schemes and countermeasures.

Abdalla further noted that the Central Bank of Egypt plays a pivotal role in strengthening trust in the banking system by setting regulatory frameworks, governance mechanisms, and operational guidelines that protect financial institutions and their customers.

He emphasized that combating fraud is a shared responsibility that requires close coordination among central banks, financial institutions, law enforcement, and the private sector. This approach enhances the resilience of Arab banking systems while supporting financial stability and sustainable economic growth.

The governor also pointed to the dramatic rise in recovered amounts for victims: total funds recovered reached LE 116.8 million in 2025, compared to LE 6.5 million in 2024, a clear indicator of the state’s rapid response and coordinated efforts against fraud.

Abdalla concluded by underlining the need for dynamic, innovative solutions that keep pace with evolving fraud tactics, while reinforcing regional and international cooperation to improve human capacities, create secure information channels, and raise the overall protection level of the Arab banking sector.