Egyptian security crushes Qena's criminal gold empire

In a qualitative security achievement, the Egyptian Interior Ministry agencies were able to deal a fatal blow to one of the most dangerous criminal networks specialized in illegal gold mining, which was carrying out its activities in the remote mountainous areas of Qena Governorate in the south of the country. The security operation was launched based on accurate intelligence received by the Public Security Sector, which revealed the existence of an armed gang formation comprising twenty-five criminal elements, who manage a complex network of sites Excavation and quartz stone mills in a rugged desert area east of Qous center. The moments of the operation witnessed a fierce armed confrontation, as the gang members opened heavy fire on the Central Security Forces in a desperate attempt to escape the grip of justice. However, the high professionalism and responsiveness of the security forces decided the battle in their favor, resulting in the death of one of the perpetrators and the surrender of the rest. The operation revealed a staggering volume of weapons and equipment in the possession of the formation Criminal, it included an RPG rocket launcher, two multiple machine guns, ten automatic rifles, in addition to huge quantities of ammunition. They were also seized with two kilograms of the drug "Shabu" and large sums of money in local and foreign currencies. At the logistical level, the forces succeeded in seizing an integrated system of equipment that included an automatic excavator and thirteen gold mining mills, along with seven transport vehicles and seven motorcycles without License plates. Preliminary estimates indicate that the total value of the seized equipment amounts to about fifty million Egyptian pounds. The Public Prosecution has begun its investigations with the accused in multiple cases that include illegal excavation, possession of heavy weapons, resistance to the authorities, and trafficking in narcotic substances, in a move that confirms the state's determination to protect its natural resources and fight criminal activities.