Summary
Highlights
In 2017, in Alexandria, a drastically lowered water level in a canal exposed a suspicious sack. Inside, a human head was visible, indicating a gruesome discovery. The body found was unidentified, severely bound with electrical wire, and covered in extensive bruises. Forensic examination suggested the body had been underwater for a significant period. The perpetrator meticulously concealed their tracks, but forensic science would ultimately reveal the truth.
The body, confirmed to be male, had been subjected to prolonged torture. It was tied with electrical wire, including around the neck, suggesting strangulation as the cause of death. A large stone was bound to the body, and the sack containing it was filled with sand and gravel, likely to weigh it down in the muddy canal bed. The body was placed in a black bag, then in a sack, reflecting efforts to keep it submerged. The victim wore specific clothes and a silver ring, aiding identification. He had multiple bruises, indicating a struggle.
Police cross-referenced missing persons reports. An report submitted a week prior by an elderly woman about her 27-year-old son, Mohammed, caught their attention. Mohammed had told his mother he was going to sell his apartment before disappearing. The description matched the body's clothing and ring. Forensic reports confirmed the victim was a man in his late twenties, had been tortured, and died from strangulation after being drugged. He had struggled significantly. Mohammed's mother identified him from his clothes and ring.
Mohammed was a hard-working individual with no known enemies, involved in various businesses. He had recently bought a new car and intended to sell his apartment to upgrade. His close friend, Mohsen Bey, a seemingly wealthy and influential businessman, had offered to find a buyer for the apartment. Mohammed's last known interaction was with Mohsen Bey, when he went to meet him to finalize the apartment sale. Mohsen Bey told Mohammed's mother that Mohammed left after a short while when the buyers didn't show up.
Police discovered Mohsen Bey was faking his wealth. He was from a rich family but had fallen on hard times and was estranged from his family. He ran a fake import/export business from his apartment, accumulating debts and defrauding many. Despite Mohammed helping him financially, Mohsen Bey harbored resentment. His apartment, posing as an office, was a hub for his criminal activities. During the investigation, a janitor revealed that Mohammed was still at Mohsen Bey's apartment at 6 PM, contradicting Mohsen Bey's earlier statement.
Mohsen Bey confessed. Driven by jealousy and greed, he planned to steal Mohammed's car and apartment. He enlisted three accomplices—Hazem, Abdul Rahman, and Said—to pose as apartment buyers. They drugged Mohammed, bound him with electrical wire, and tortured him to force him to sign the apartment deed. When Mohammed resisted, they strangled him. After killing him, they tied his body with electrical wire and a large stone, placed it in a black bag filled with sand and gravel, then inside a sack. They held the body for over 10 hours before dumping it in the canal. They also hid Mohammed's car, intending to dismantle it later.
The unexpectedly low water level in the canal led to the early discovery of Mohammed's body, foiling Mohsen Bey's plans. Police quickly apprehended Mohsen Bey and his accomplices. Mohammed's car was found hidden, and Mohsen had taken all of Mohammed's official documents to prevent identification. After a thorough investigation and collection of evidence, all involved were sentenced to death. The case served as a stark reminder not to be deceived by appearances, as many had trusted Mohsen Bey.