Egypt Reveals Details of Attempted Theft of Former President Gamal Abdel Nasser's Car in Alexandria

24 July 2026 - 15:24 | Last update 24 July 2026 - 15:24

Follow Okaz channel on WhatsApp

Mohamed Seddiq

The Egyptian Ministry of Interior has settled the controversy that arose in recent hours regarding alleged theft of the car of late Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser, confirming that the incident concerns an attempted theft of a historic car that was stored in a private warehouse in Alexandria province, before residents managed to apprehend the suspect and refer him to investigation authorities.

The ministry said in an official statement on Friday that what was circulated on some news websites about the theft of a former president's car and an attempt to cut it up for scrap prompted an examination of the incident and disclosure of its circumstances.

Suspect caught red-handed

The ministry explained that the Attarin police station in Alexandria received, on July 19, a report from a citizen stating that a number of residents had managed to apprehend a person while he was sneaking into a warehouse owned by the citizen's father within the department's jurisdiction.

Investigations revealed that the suspect attempted to steal two antique passenger cars, including the car of the late President Gamal Abdel Nasser, and tried to cut metal parts from them using a hand-held angle grinder, a hacksaw, and screwdrivers in preparation for selling them to scrap dealers.

The statement added that police forces arrested the suspect and seized the tools used in the attempted crime, and the necessary legal measures were taken against him.

The full story of the car

According to the Ministry of Interior, the car had been bought by the father of the complainant in an official public auction in 1981, among a number of old government cars that were decommissioned after their official use ended.

In 1995, its owner surrendered its metal license plates to the traffic department, ending its registered status, before keeping it in a warehouse in the Attarin area as a historic piece.

According to circulating information, the car is a 1961 Cadillac, and it was one of the official cars used by the late President Gamal Abdel Nasser during his presidency, before it was put up for auction after being decommissioned.

Prosecution takes over investigation

The Ministry of Interior confirmed that all legal procedures were taken regarding the incident, while the public prosecution launched an investigation and ordered the suspect's detention pending investigation, while completing the necessary procedures to reveal all circumstances of the case.

The interior ministry's statement came to correct what was circulated about 'theft of the late president's car,' clarifying that the car was not stolen, but rather the attempt to seize it was foiled before it left the warehouse, and the suspect was unable to cut it up or dispose of it.

The car holds historical and symbolic value due to its association with the late President Gamal Abdel Nasser, one of the most prominent presidents in modern Egyptian history. Old presidential cars are considered rare collectibles that some enthusiasts and collectors are keen to acquire after they are decommissioned through official auctions.

Former President of Egypt Gamal Abdel Nasser theft of Egyptian president's car