What were the allegations against Abdel Hamid? Influencer confesses to committing donation fraud of over $5 Million

Germany-based infleuncer, Abdel Hamid is in custody after he was accused of spending fundraising money on expensive cars, luxury watches, and designer bags. Hamid was initially arrested in October, 2024, for suspicion of commercial and gang-related fraud, as per law enforcement agencies at the time.

The 34-year old influencer, who has 194k followers on Instagram, used platforms like TikTok and Instagram to promote his alleged fundraising initiaitive, to raise nearly €500k for Palestinians in need. As per a court hearing, Hamid pocketed the money through 37 online appeals made between 2021 and October, 2024, however, only a fraction of the money went in actual donations.

In October, 2024, it was noted that the influencer had raised over €353,000 through 19 fundraising appeals for needy children and charitable purposes but spent only €5,000 on forwading the donation to the charities.

Hamid also confessed to committing donation fraud during his trial at Dusseldorf Regional Court on June 29. As per a Daily Mail article published on July 1, 2025, Hamid gained €78,000 from a fundraising appeal titled "for Palestine" and purchased a BMW for €71,600 shortly after. Hamid has pocketed €497,090.31 from his fundraising initiatives in total.

As per German news outlet, Bild, Hamid also collected social benefits from the job center and a separate investigation is scheduled for welfare fraud.

More about Abdel Hamid's October 2024 arrest

Abdel Hamid was arrested in October 2024, for suspicion of commercial and gang-related fraud. At the time of his arrest, investigators reportedly seized €20,000 in cash, luxury bags, rolex watches and a limousine that was towed away. Another €14,000 Rolex was reportedly seized from his sister's apartment, and the influencer had five Rolex watches in total. The investigation to verify the authenticity of the watches is underway.

BBC in October, 2024 said that the influencer could face a prison sentence of 1 to 10 years if convicted. Times Algebra in a tweet identified Hamid as a "well known German Islamic preacher", further stating,

"He collected donations online. He claimed the money was for pilgrims traveling to Mecca."

Abdel Hamid's 33-year old partner and 37-year old sister, were also suspected to have been a part of the fraud. Police and prosecutors at the time mentioned that the two are under investigation.

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In October, 2024, security authorities considered his social media videos a gateway to radicaliztion. The North Rhine-Westphalia Office for the Protection of the Constitution described the ideology in his videos as "Salafist extremism."

Currently. Abdel Hamid is in custody, while his trial is expected to continue on July 3.

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