Islamic TikTok influencer confesses to acts of donation deception
In a shocking turn of events, a popular TikTok and Instagram influencer, known as "Abdelhamid," has been embroiled in a significant fraud case in Germany. The allegations against the 34-year-old preacher include misuse of donation funds, commercial fraud, and social benefit fraud.
The prosecution claims that Abdelhamid raised nearly half a million euros in 37 cases between 2021 and mid-October 2024, purportedly for humanitarian aid for Palestine. However, a small fraction of these funds was forwarded for humanitarian purposes, according to the prosecution. Instead, Abdelhamid is said to have used the money for personal expenses, such as purchasing a BMW for 71,600 euros.
The case has drawn considerable public attention due to the social media profile of the accused, who gained hundreds of thousands of followers on TikTok and Instagram, with a total of ten million "likes." Three apartments were searched, assets in the six-figure range were seized, and a limousine was towed during the investigation.
Abdelhamid has confessed to committing donation fraud, misappropriating funds intended for charitable causes. The fraud extends beyond mere charity scams, as Abdelhamid allegedly combined these actions with gaining social benefits fraudulently and conducting commercial fraud by living a luxury lifestyle not supported by declared income.
Investigators have also checked if the money might have flowed to terrorist groups due to his ideological background. The state prosecutor has charged Abdelhamid with commercial and gang-related fraud, but the court has expressed doubts about the charge of forming a gang.
Abdelhamid is considered the new top influencer in the Islamist scene, and his worldview, spread casually and often in sportswear, is considered extremist-salafist by the NRW constitutional protection agency. The NRW Ministry of the Interior's Islamism report describes Abdelhamid as a salafist lifestyle influencer.
During the investigation, bundles of 20,000 euros in cash, several luxury watches, luxury handbags, and high-end cars were seized from Abdelhamid. His co-accused partner also admitted the charges, using social benefits and donations for private purposes.
Before his arrest last October, Abdelhamid is said to have made preparations to flee to Dubai. The court offered Abdelhamid and his partner three years in prison and a suspended sentence for their confessions. The case continues to unfold, with further details expected to emerge as the legal proceedings progress.
[1] Source: [Local News Outlet] [2] Source: [National News Outlet] [3] Source: [Investigative Report] [4] Source: [Court Documents] [5] Source: [Financial Report]
- The shocking fraud case involving influencer Abdelhamid, initially alleged for misuse of donation funds, has expanded to include charges of commercial fraud, social benefit fraud, and even potential links to crime and justice, as revealed in investigative reports.
- The widespread public interest in the Abdelhamid case, centering around a popular TikTok and Instagram personality, stems not only from his large social media following but also from accusations of using funds for personal luxury expenses, such as purchasing expensive cars, detailed in court documents.
