Egypt’s anti-money laundering (AML) framework is built on Law No. 80 of 2002  and its updates. This law criminalizes the handling of illicit funds and imposes strict reporting duties on banks and other entities. The Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) established a specialized unit (EMLCU) to enforce AML/CTF rules. Under Egyptian law, money laundering  is defined broadly as converting or transferring assets known to be derived from criminal conduct, with intent to conceal their origi

Egypt’s economy is a leading force in the Middle East and Africa, notably as the gateway via the Suez Canal, which handles about 12% of global trade. This strategic position – along with a large informal cash economy – exposes Egypt to financial crime risks. Experts note that Egypt’s reliance on cash payments, cross-border trade and remittances has made it “particularly vulnerable to money laundering and terrorist financing ”. To protect the integrity of its financial system

Egypt maintains some of the strictest drug laws in the world. Its Anti‑Narcotics Law (Law No. 182 of 1960, as amended) makes virtually all dealings in controlled substances illegal – including importation, exportation, production, possession, and distribution of narcotics. The law covers dozens of drugs (raw opium, morphine, cocaine, cannabis, etc.) and even extends to many psychotropic and synthetic substances. Recent amendments have increased penalties dramatically. For exa

Foreign nationals in Egypt must understand that the country enforces a zero-tolerance  drug policy. Egypt’s laws criminalize possession, use, trafficking, and even cultivation of illegal narcotics, with extremely harsh penalties for violations. Travel advisories from countries like the UK and Canada explicitly warn that even small amounts of drugs can result in lengthy prison terms, heavy fines, or even life imprisonment and capital punishment. Egypt’s stringent drug laws app

Capital Offenses:  Egypt’s anti-narcotics law lists four specific crimes punishable by death . These include unlicensed import/export of narcotics and any major act of trafficking. For example, Article 33 of Law 182/1960 mandates death (plus LE 100–500k fine) for anyone who “produces… with the intent of trafficking” or “possesses… a plant… with the intent of trading”. Importantly, even conduct abroad  counts: managing or joining a drug cartel with intent to smuggle into Egypt

Taxpayers in Egypt must navigate a complex tax system carefully. On one hand, tax optimization  (also called tax planning or avoidance) refers to using legitimate provisions of the law to minimize taxes. On the other hand, tax evasion  involves illegal schemes to escape tax payment. Understanding the line between these two is crucial. Egyptian law explicitly punishes evasion as a criminal offense, while allowing legal planning within the rules. Foreign businesses and expats i

Egyptian law treats corporate crime as illegal conduct by companies or their officers for business purposes. In practice, corporate crimes cover a wide range of offenses – from financial fraud and embezzlement  to bribery, tax evasion, and antitrust violations – whenever these acts benefit the company. Corporate crime is closely related to white-collar crime, but the two differ in focus. Corporate crime  typically involves illegal acts by a company (or its agents) against the

Egypt applies its criminal laws equally to all people on its soil. A foreigner accused of a crime in Egypt will be prosecuted under the same Penal Code and court system as an Egyptian. In fact, “foreigners who commit crimes in Egypt are subject to the same penalties as Egyptians” . There is no special legal exemption for ordinary non-citizens (only accredited diplomats or certain international officials enjoy immunity). Under Egypt’s 1937 Penal Code, jurisdiction is primarily

Foreigners and expatriates in Egypt should understand that “personal crimes” (often called crimes against the person) encompass offenses targeting an individual’s life, body, liberty, or dignity. Egypt’s Penal Code (1937) does not explicitly use the phrase “personal crimes,” but it classifies crimes against the person  (homicide, assault, kidnapping, sexual violence, etc.) as a category with the harshest penalties. In contrast, crimes against property or the state are separa

Egypt’s criminal justice system is a civil-law system built on codified statutes (not common-law precedent). The cornerstone is the Penal...

For international companies operating — or planning to operate — in Egypt, compliance is simultaneously a business safeguard and a...

Criminal liability in Egypt is defined by clear legal rules and principles. It depends on both an unlawful act (actus reus) and a...